The Castleby Sliver SwirlChaptersChapter 1: Moving onChapter 2: The Journey to your HeartConfrontationUnexpectedThe MeetingChapter 1: Moving onCadance sat in the dirt. She was different, she was strange compared to every other pony in her village. Her parents were Earth ponies, everypony was a Earth pony except Cadance and travellers. She was different before and it was even worse now. Cadance was a distant relative of the Princess, which is why she was a winged unicorn. Princess Celestia had tracked her down and had offered her the truth. She was different and she couldn't change it with a hat or a jacket like she had before. She now knew why she was different in more ways then one. Cadance was adopted by two kind earth ponies who found her in the night. Even though they weren't her biological family, she still loved them. Cadance knew her village was poor, many families were struggling. She wanted to help and Princess Celestia had offered her assistance if Cadance came with her to Canterlot to learn how to be a Princess. She didn't know what to do. She was pretty sure, she didn't want to be a Princess. But she wanted to help. Cadance didn't want to walk the streets and ignore those suffering. "Hey, Princess Cadance. Please I need bits, my foals are straving please spare something. Please Princess." Said a pony. Cadance looked up and saw Mrs Huff Puff, she had a red coat and a brown mane. "I'm sorry, Mrs Huff Puff. I'm not a Princess and I don't have any money." "Please, Please. If you don't it will be your fault they go hungry." Mrs Huff Puff said, pointing a hoof at Cadance. She was starting to attract attention, she didn't want this. Cadance wanted to disapear. She heard more ponies approach. So she ran, Cadance was unable to face those who were suffering because of her. She ran home, to avoid the crowd that was building. "Help us Princess!" "Please Princess!" "Princess Cadance!" "Princess!" "Princess!" "I'M NOT A PRINCESS." Cadnace screamed as she ran and began to cry. She had no choice, she abandoned her jacket and took to the skies. She landed on one of the clouds and began to cry more. Cadance wasn't a Princess, she didn't want to be different. Her whole life she wanted to normal, not the one with wings or a horn. But now she never could be. She placed her head into the cloud, the softness and air always feel better. Cadance heard wings flap, it must have been one of the birds that lived in the area. She didn't lift her head, they could wait. "May I join you?" A familiar voice asked, it was gentle and friendly. It didn't sound at all like a bird. Cadance lifted her head to inspect the stranger and saw Princess Celestia. She knew she was suppose to be polite but Cadance was annoyed at Celestia. Without Celestia, nobody would know about Cadance being a Princess. Cadance would have just been the pony with extra bits, which they had just gotten use to. "I will take that as a yes. I assume you a angry at me. It is understandable that you would be angry. Being a Princess is very hard and I need you to brave filly. You have a great destiny, I can tell." Cadance was about to explode, but she used her breathing excercises to remain calm. "I don't want a great destiny. I want to be Cadance the pony with a horn and wings not Princess Mi Amore Cadenza the winged unicorn of Equestria. Thank you for your offer, but I like my life and I could not abandon my parents. I'm sorry Princess Celestia." "I see, please call me Aunty Celestia. Even if you choose not to be a Princess, we are still family. If you change your mind, come to Canterlot Palace and show this." Celestia handed her a piece of paper, Cadance tucked it under her wing. "After showing this, ask for an audience with Princess Celestia or Aunty Celestia. Whatever you prefer." "Thank you, but I won't be necessary." "Of course, it was lovely meeting you Cadance." Cadance watched the giant white alicorn leave and disapear to the ground below. She sat up here for many hours, Cadance rarely flew. She didn't want others to think of her as an outsider. This would be the last time she would be in the sky. Cadance arrived home, very quickly. She was tempted to fly avoid the mob. But decided to walk. She was now a normal villager, she had no reason to hide. She acted like a normal citizen and nobody bothered her. Since the Princess had left, she was left alone for the most part. Cadance walked up to her house, it was one story and made of wood. It was simple, plain and had a large garden out the back. She loved where she lived, Cadance didn't need luxury. She opened the door using her hoof and yelled, "Mum! Dad! I'm home. Is anypony there?" Cadance yelled so her voice could be heard through the entire house. What was going on? Where were her parents? It was pitch black, Cadance was going to light her horn. But she couldn't, Cadance was normal now. Her horn and wings were......decoration. They did nothing, and were simply just there. Which exactly how she wanted it. "Mum! Dad! Are you okay!" She yelled, they were both suppose to be home. Cadance heard rustling, were they being robbed, was somepony going to attack her. She decided to use her magic, this was a once off. After this she would never use magic again. Cadance used her magic to light horn so she could see the area where she had heard the rustle. In the area, Cadance a green mare with a light green mane, it was her mother. Her mother pulled her into a quick hig and then pushed her away. "Cadance, please Cadance leave. It is too dangerous." "Mum, what happened? Please answer me." "Your father is very sick and it is very contagious. He was escorted to the towns hospital but they don't have enough supplies and we can barely afford it. But don't worry, you are going to be fine." Cadance was shocked her father was always so careful and hardly ever got sick. "Wait, what is going to dad? What do you mean, I will be fine. What about you?" "I have spoken to Nurse Bouquet. She has agreed to take care of you until I can get back on my hooves." "What about you and dad?" "I am going to start working and I will be living at the hospital." "Why can't you live here?" "The disease might be here. They are blocking it off, till further notice. That is why we must leave, I don't want you to get sick. Come on, Cadance. We will be fine." Cadance followed her mother but she could tell it wouldn't be fine. Without the house, Dads job and the vegetables they sold. They had nothing, they would not be fine. Maybe it wasn't as bad as everypony was making it. "Mum, are we going to visit Dad?" "Yes, and then you are going with Nurse Bouquet. You will be on your best behavior with her correct?" "Of course, Mum." Cadance said, as she continued to follow her Mum. She looked back one last time at the house she loved. This felt like this would be the last time she would ever see it. Cadance sat in the hospital room, Nurse Bouquet had told them her father had a deadly flu. Cadance couldn't trully sit next to him, his entire room was sealed off. She could only see him through the glass. She knew they were doomed. Her father was currently asleep, so she didn't speak to him. He needed his rest. "Excuse me, Mrs Ivy. I will be leaving soon, please say your goodbyes to Cadanza." "Oh of course, thank you for doing this Nurse Bouquet. May I have a private moment with my family." "Of course." Nurse Bouquet then opened the door and walked out the door. She then closed the door behind her. "I'm sorry Cadance. I am a horrible mother." "No your not, you are the best mother." "Thank you Cadance. I just wanted to say I love you and I will miss you. I don't know when we will next see each other, but just know I will always love you." Mum said, pulling Cadance close. "I love you too Mum." Cadance said returning the hug. They stayed that way until her mother pulled away. Her mother looked awful. She looked tired and she had tears running down her face. Cadance wished she had a tissue to give her. "I have a gift for you, darling. A book that I use to read to you as a filly. When you read this, I will be in your heart and you will be in mine." "Okay, Mum." Cadance didn't really understand but she liked the idea of feeling loved everytime she read a book. There loving moment was interupted by knocking and a voice, "Mrs Ivy, my shift has ended. I'm leaving with Cadanza now." Her mother quickly wiped her face and spoke, "Yes, yes come in. Cadance is ready and packed. We have said our goodbyes. Please come in." Cadance quickly put her special book in her saddlebag. She didn't want Nurse Bouquet to know about the book. "Thank you, Mrs Ivy. Now come on Cadanza we must go." "Bye Mum, tell Dad I love him. If he wakes up when I'm not here." "I will, darling. Have fun Cadance and behave." Cadance felt sad as she was pulled away from her fathers hospital room. "Don't worry, deary. Everything will be fine." Nurse Bouquet said, Cadance took a close look at the pony. She had a pink coat and a purple mane, and Cadance couldn't see her cutie mark because of her nurse uniform. "Umm... Nurse Bouquet I was just wondering where is my mum staying in the hospital." "Your Mum, isn't staying in the hospital. There is a motel downtown where she is renting a room." "But we don't have that kind of money. She won't be able to stay long." "Don't worry Cadanza. Your Mother has assured me everything will work out. Now wait here, while I go grab my coat." Cadance wouldn't leave her family like this. She would take care of them, Cadance pulled out the piece of paper she had hidden among her feathers. She would travel to Canterlot and then she would become a Princess. As a Princess she would have lots of money to help her family and others like hers. Cadance walked out of the hospital and went to the marketplace. She needed somepony to show her how to get to Canterlot. She found the perfect pony, Sir Jack. He was a merchant and claimed to have been everywhere. Sir Jack, was a dark blue Pegasus stallion with a long white mane. He had it tied close to the bottom of his ponytail and wore a jacket with wing holes. Jack had taught everything she knew, after all Cadance was the only flier in the village. Everypony else were outsiders like Jack. Cadance liked Jack, he was the only Pegasus willing to teach her what she needed to know. Like preen and fly. Cadance approached him and called out using his nickname, "Sir Jack!" "Lady Dance. Have you come to show me how to dance." Jack said, moving his body in a awkward way. "Not today Jack, I need your help. I need to get to Canterlot. Can you show me?" "I can, but do your parents know you are doing this Lady Dance?" Jack asked, concerned. "Please Jack, my father is sick. I want to help him." "Fine Dance, you win as usual. You are just in luck. I am heading it that direction and I happen to have a special offer for maps." "Really, Sir Jack. What is the special offer?" "Completely free. But don't tell anyone, it would ruin me." He said with a wink. "Thanks, Jack lets go." "Fine, Lady Dance. But prehaps I should lead." "Right." Cadance said, looking rather sheepish. Cadance felt very grateful towards Jack. He was always helping everypony and had played with her when she was a little filly. He was the big brother she had never had. They walked many miles before they rested. Cadance had never walked this far in her life. "Jack, can we please rest." "Good call, Lady Dance. It is getting late and I am exhausted." He pretended to fall in a heap. Which caused Cadance to laugh. "So how do you usually set up camp? Do you make a fire? Do you have tents?" "I don't have tents. We are going to sleep on clouds." "Clouds, but I have never slept on a cloud." "You should always try new things Lady Dance. Come on try it, I promise you will love it." Jack said, he then spread his wings and took flight. "Come on, Lady Dance! You will love it." "What if I don't" she yelled, Cadance was scared. She wasn't a very good pegasus. "Then we can sleep on a tree together. I'm not going to leave you Lady Dance. I said I would get you there and I will." Cadance removed her jacket and placed it in her saddlebag. It was like lying on a cloud, she told herself. She could do this, sleeping wasn't very different then lying down. Cadance landed on the cloud, it was soft and felt lovely. Cadance strenched her wings and layed down next to Jack. But she had to stop streching her wings, as her feathers began to hurt. "Would you like me to preen them for you?" "No they can wait, besides preening wings are only suppose to be done by couples or family members." "We are family though Lady Dance. Family is not just based on blood. I thought you knew that better then anypony." Jack said sadly. "I do, its just I thought you didn't see me as anything other then a friend or a stranger. You never asked me if I wanted to come on your adventures or anything." "You are such a silly filly Lady Dance. Sure I travel and have bever offered to bring you with me but that was because of three reasons. The first, you are a filly. The second, I thought you never wanted to leave the village. The third, I know how much you wanted to be normal. If you had left with me you would have never had that chance, the choice to be what you want to be." "Thank you Jack." "It is always a pleasure Lady Dance. Now Silly Fillies should go to bed or they won't be able to dance. Good Night Sister Dance." "Good Night, Sir Brother." Cadance felt content, she had forgotten all of her problems. She refuses to focus on the negative. Instead she focused on the positive, Cadance was no longer an only child. Author's Note Thank you for reading and please leave a comment below. Sliver Swirl. Chapter 2: The Journey to your HeartJack looked down at his wings. Wrapped under his wing was Cadance. It felt nice to no longer be alone. To have a family. He swore that this time he would protect his family, he would protect Cadance. Jack had a rough idea of what Cadance was planning. If she continued down this path trouble would be waiting for her. Jack had heard rumours of the newest Royal. A winged unicorn who was distant relative to Princess Celestia. He had assumed it was Cadance. For he had never seen another pony with both wings and a horn. Many wanted a piece of newest royal. To manipulate her, to have a piece of her crown. Jack had even heard grown stallions and mares proclaiming their love for the newest princess. Now that Jack was sure Cadance was the Princess he knew she was in way over her head. Cadance was still a filly, she was a mature filly but she still a young filly. Cadance didn't even have her cutie mark or her fully grown Pegasus wings or Unicorn horn. He wanted to watch over her, to be the big brother she deserved. But he was scared that he would fail. Was it worth taking the risk? He looked at the little filly wrapped in his wings and decided it was, Lady Dance was worth everything. Jack had made his choice and he would change everything to be with Lady Dance. He would join her in Canterlot and make life there with her. His dreams for his future and his sister was ruined, by the sound of his stomach grumbling. Damn, he thought. Jack carefully moved away from Cadance and reached for his saddlebag. He opened it and searched for food. But he found none, this caused him to have a realization. Jack had forgotten food, he had been in such a rush to save Cadances father. That he had forgotten the most important item. Now he had to go and fetch breakfast for them. Once Jack was sure Cadance was cormfortable and asleep, he glided down. He hoped Cadance wouldn't wake up before he got back. Cadance began to feel cold, she was having an amazing dream about getting bits to save her father and her mother. Then she dreamed, her father decided to adopt Jack. She wished it was reality, then Jack could stay with her forever. Cadance knew her parents had always secretly desired more children. But had never wished to bring them into the village life. Where they might go hungry or be without anything. Jack would be the perfect new family member he was funny, kind and already was family to Cadance. Cadance still hadn't opened her eyes. She didn't want to for, she knew reality would be very different from her dream. But she knew she had to, Cadance didn't want Jack to have to wake her up. She streched her wings and legs and opened her eyes. "Jack?" Cadance called, but he wasn't there. Had he left her? Was he behind on his travelling and had to leave to make up time. Cadance felt upset, but Jack was her brother and she would respect his decisions. Her mother had told Cadance, that it was important to respect ponies decisions. She didn't want to leave, she wanted to wait. But Cadance didn't know how long her family could last without the money. Her father could be on his deathbed. Cadance couldn't afford to wait. She leaped off the cloud and spread her wings. But her wings were not preened which meant they were not clean and flexible. She could not fly with unclean feathers and she began to crash land. "AAAAHHAHAH" Cadance screamed. "JACK!! MUM!! DAD!! SOMEONE HELP!!" Cadance screamed. She closed her eyes and saw her life flash before her eyes. Her father young and healthy, her mother happy with no stress evident on her face and Jack her brother teaching how to spread her wings for the first time. Cadance thought it was all over and began praying for Celestias help. But then Cadance felt her body be pulled, she wasn't sure how to explain it. But she felt sick and different and no longer felt as if she was failing. "It is alright, you're alright miss." A voice said, he sounded kind and gentle like an angel. Cadance opened her eyes and looked up. There was a stallion, he was quite tall and had a dark green coat and a brown mane. "T....th-thank y-..you" Cadance stammered, why was she stammering she wondered. "What is your name, miss? Or do you perfer me to call you miss." "M-m... My........ N..na-m...me i..s Cad...." "Cad? That is not a nice name for a young lady. May we give you a nickname." Cadance nodded her head, not trusting her voice. It was acting strange. "I see, then how about Candy? How does that sound miss?" "Grrrr......grrrrr." "Grr? Are you sure you are alright miss? We can help you if you need to. We are on our way to Canterlot if you would care to join us." Cadance nodded her head, they had strength in numbers. "Great, lets move out." Cadance followed him and realised he had never introduced himself. She walked in front of him and pointed at him, "me? What is it Candy? What about me?" She couldn’t speak to him, not with her voice acting all weird. So she wrote it in the dirt, but because limited education in the village. It didn't come out quite right, WAT IS NAM? "Wat is nam? Do you mean what is name?" Cadance nodded her head, she felt embarrassed. Did she really spell it so wrong? "Well, my name is Oro Rock. My friends call me Roco though, you can call me Roco too miss. If you woukd like and this is Scarlett Cry." He said pointing the blood red Pegasus, "and this is River Cry." He said pointing to the other Pegasus. "They are siblings. But you can call Scarlett, Lett and River, Ri. If you would like." Cadance nodded her head again, nicknames were nice. She continued to follow them, never looking back. Jack flew back to the cloud where he had left Cadance. He had spent the entire morning looking for food and had managed to find a few apples. He hoped Dance hadn't moved but Jack doubted that she would sit still. Cadnace was determined to get to Canterlot and save her family. The cloud where he had left her was abandoned and had no remains except for a few broken pink feathers. Jack immediately followed them, he had forgotten to preen her wings last night. Cadance must have fallen. This was all Jacks fault, he should have just preened her wings. Why did he have to forget. He was a horrible brother, it hadn't even been a day and he had already lost her. Jack searched the forest, she had to be around here somewhere. He would search this entire area and if he did not find her. Jack would go to Canterlot to search there. If Cadance was not in Canterlot either, Jack would demand an audience with the Princess. He would then convince her to find Cadance. Jack had everything under control. He thought, but then he flew into a net and blacked out. Cadance was so happy that the group she was travelling with were was so nice. They were prepared too, as the had tents and everything. She would miss sleeping in the sky, but Roco was a unicorn. She couldn’t expect the group to leave him on the ground while they slept in the sky. Mum had always said not to expect too much from a male if you weren't related. So she couldn't expect anything of Roco, that would be rude. Cadance would do this herself. While Cadance was thinking, Roco, Lett and Ri had set up the tent."Umm Miss? Miss? I am going to turn in for the night. You might want to set up your tent soon, it will start raining soon." Roco said, walking What? Wasn't he going to offer her his tent like every other male she had known would have. But every other male she knew was family. She had no family with her anymore, this meant she could only rely on herself from here on out. "Of course, I am going to sleep on a cloud." Cadance said, hoping she sounded excited. She didn't want to rely anypony, that wasn't family. "I see, good luck with that miss. We will be leaving at dawn." He said, before he walked into his tent. Lett and Ri quickly followed him. Cadance was scared after they left, she had never been so alone. She had always had something around, even if it was just her bird friends. But Cadance couldn't allow herself to dwell on the negative. If she did, she would never achieve her goal and never make it to Canterlot. She spread her wings and took off. Cadance landed uneasily on a cloud, she still hadn't preened her wings. It was a miracle she had made it on the cloud at all. Cadance couldn't deal with that right now, she had to get some sleep. Cadance was glad she had grown her hair long. It could get cold, during the winter. Sometimes there was not enough blankets for everypony. She had always given her blanket to either her parents or one of the smaller foals. Tonight was one of those nights, Cadance used her long hair to feel safe and not alone. Jack felt dizzy and light headed. His head badly hurt. Where was he? What was going on? He tried to remember what had happened. He had remembered, trying to find Cadance and then blacking out. "Are you awake?" A small filly asked, "are you okay?" Jack looked at the filly, she was a purple unicorn. "Sir?" "I'm awake. Do you know where we are?" Jack asked the filly gentely. "No,I...I just appeared here and then I met these nice and they brought me here. They said I owed them. I'm scared." "Its is going to be okay, what is your name? I am Sir Jack, traveller of the world and protector of cute fillies like yourself." "If I tell you, will you promise not tell my mummy that I spoke to a stranger." "I promise." "My name is Twilight Sparkle." Cadance couldn't sleep, there was too much going on in her head. She was worried about Jack and her parents. Why was she is such a hurry to leave? She should have waited. It was all her fault, if she hadn't left. She wouldn't be alone. Cadance would be with Jack and he would tell his funny stories. Or he would preen her wings and they would dance. "Hurry up!" A voice yelled, it spooked Cadance and she pulled her hair over her eyes. She should just ignore it, then it would be somepony elses problem. Cadance had bigger issues. "What about the brat on the cloud." "Leave 'er, lets deal with the unicorn filly tonight. She will make us rich." Filly? What were they doing with the filly? Cadance wondered, maybe she was a friend of hers. Maybe she was going to help them. But Cadance couldn't help but wonder, was that filly in danger. Could she help? Should she help? She remembered what it was like to be a filly and nopony would help you. Cadance never wanted anypony else to go through that. She glided down with her damaged wings and managed to land safety. She saw Lett and Roco walking side by side, deeper into the forest. "So what treasure, are we gonna go after first. I'm thinking the Canterlot Diamonds." "I like your thinking, what do we tell River?" "Tell him we are trying to return the fillies and colts home." "But won't he be supcious when we return with them." "We will have no choice but to say we couldn't find there homes. So they are gonna stay with us." "What about Candy?" "We can either treat her the same as the foals or trade her for more loot. I'm sure somepony will want to trade, something good for her." Cadance couldn't believe what she was hearing. Maybe it was all just a misunderstanding. She continued to follow them, but she couldn't hear anymore of the conversation. They soon approached a hut and knocked on the door. While Cadance watched from a safe distance. What was this place? They opened the door and entered the hut. Cadance ran and quickly entered after them. Inside the hut was small and there were many doors. Cadance couldn't tell which door they had entered, she was too slow. She decided to enter the closest door. Cadance opened the door using her hoof and looked inside. She saw a small unicorn filly sitting in the middle of the room. She was being asked questions by Roco and Lett. "We helped you, so you help us. That is how the world works sweetheart." "But......but, I just want to go home." The unicorn said. "You do this for us, we will do that for you. We will help each other, thats what friends do." "Do you promise? Are you really my friends?" "Of course, we are sweetheart." "Now, you read all the books in this room and then figure out how to do the magic." The filly nodded her head and had a determind look on her face. Lett and Roco walked towards the door, Cadance quickly closed and ran outside. She made a silent promise to herself that she would help that filly and find out the truth. Cadance dived into the bushed outside th hut and waited. Once she saw Lett and Roco walk past her hiding spot. She crept back into the hut and opened the door again. Inside the filly is crying. Cadance approached her and tapped her, "Why are you crying?" She asked in her kindest voice. "Because I can't figure how to do this and if I can't they will take me home." The filly said. Cadance wanted to help, but she didn't know how. She knew what always cheered her up, a song and dance. She began to make up lyrics. "Sunshine, Sunshine. Ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake." "Wow. You are such a great dancer." The filly said, "I wish I could be as good as you." "I wasn't always that good of dancer. I only became good because if the encouragement of my brother. He even nicknamed me Lady Dance." "Do you think you could help me become good at something." "Of course, my name is Cadance." "I'm Twilight Sparkle. Your name is amazing, my name isn't even original. My mum is called Twilight and her mum is called Twilight." "Don't worry, I am positive you will sparkle brighter then the rest." "Thanks, Cadance." "Now come on, we have got to go." Cadance said, pushing the filly out of the room. "Wait! There was this other pony. I can't leave him behind." "Of course." Cadance followed Twilight, who led her through a stream of corridors and halls. Until they finally stopped infront of a brown shabby door. "This where I was staying. He should be in here." Cadance nodded her head, not sure what else to say. She opened the door and followed the filly in. "Jack!" Twilight said, running in. Could it be? "Light welcome back." "Come and meet my friend Cadance." Twilight said, pulling a pony into her line of sight. "Jack?" Cadance said. "Lady Dance! Where were you? Did these ponies kidnap you like they did Twilight?" "No......I'm sorry Jack. I left because I wanted save my father, I am a horrible sister. Then I fell and I met these ponies and they said they would help me." Cadance said, crying. She was such a fool. She felt Jack use his wing to bring her close. "Hey, you're not a horrible sister and its not your fault. If anypony is horrible it is me. What kind of brother loses their sister in a day. Don't worry Lady Dance." "Yeah, Cadance. Without you I would still be crying. You make everypony feel better." Twilight said, smiling. Cadance pulled the young filly into a hug. She then felt her brother pulled her and Twilight into a group hug. Cadance felt love and happiness flow through everypony. "Cadance, look." Twilight said, pointing her hoof. Cadance followed her hoof and saw her flank glow. She was lifted the air and seperated from the others. Cadance surrounded by a white glow. When Cadance was placed back on the ground she saw a cutie mark in place of her blank flank. "I have a cutie mark! I got a cutie! I got my cutie mark!" Cadance said, picking up Twilight and spinning in a circle. "Cadance, your squishing me." Twilight said. "Sorry Twilight, I'm just really happy and without you and Jack. I wouldn't have my cutie mark." Cadance said, releasing the purple filly. "What is it?" Twilight asked, staring at her flank. "I'm not sure." Cadance said, joining the filly in staring at her flank. It was a blue crystallized heart, with two golden swirls. "A cutie mark is linked to a ponies talent and destiny." Jack said, pointing to his own. His cutie mark was a cart with a mask hanging out. "This is symbolising my gift with trading and my destiny of being a merchant. My also was believed that my cutie mark had something to with my wandering habits." "What about the mask?" Twilight asked, now staring at Jacks flank. "I'm not sure. Cutie marks are not a simple as they seem. It takes years for some ponies to understand their cutie mark. I still don't completely understand mine. But yours probably has something to do with the love and kindness you share with everpony. It is believed that some ponies personalities are connected to their cutie marks. I guess Lady Dance cutie mark is related to her loving personality." "Hes right. I mean you cared about me and made me feel better even though, you had just met me." Twilight said. Love and kindness......that did sound right, but Cadance didn't feel she deserved that title. "Hey, everything will be alright. Now let us get you to Canterlot." Jack said wrapping his wing around her. "Ohhh, isn't this sweet." Said a familar voice. Cadance turned around and froze, she wasn't ready to face him. Author's Note Hi Everyone, So Cadance got her cutie mark, sorry if it feels rushed. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed. Sliver Swirl ConfrontationCadance turned around and froze. She wasn't ready to face him. The pony who had used her and ponies like her. She felt anger engulf her, when she saw Roco. The one who gad kidnapped Twilight and tricked her. "How dare you do this to us!" Cadance said, standing in front of Twilight. "Now miss, how can you be like that. Without us, you and your little friend would be all alone and lost. I say you owe us, and if I might add, and without us you wouldn't have your cutie mark." Roco said, gesturing to her flank. Cadance moved her tail to hide her cutie mark. She felt his eyes on her flank and it made her uncomfortable. "We don't owe you anything. Now let us go!" Cadance demanded, stamping her hoof. She was glad her anger was fixing her voice and that she was no longer stammering around Roco. "You are right miss, you don't owe us anything. You owe us everything." Roco said, blocking the only door. "Why are you doing this?" She demanded. "Once upon a time, I was very poor, very lonely and had no magic talents. I had nothing, but then one day a master theif took me under his wing and together we came up with a brilliant plan. Neither of us were talented with our magic, so we chose to rescue those with talents and then claim they owed us. This worked for a while, but in the end. They all overpowered us. We needed a new plan, so we decided to take talented colts and fillies. It was genuis. But then he died, and I found others to replace him. Now I would appreciate it, if you followed me and complete the task. I have given you." Cadance couldn't believe him. What if she had helped him, how had she allowed herself to be tricked by him. "I'm afraid, we will have to refuse. Lady Dance, Twilight and myself have a date with destiny and you are in our way." Said Jack, calmly. "Well, misses and sir. I'm afraid I can't allow that. Jasper!" He called, and a bright orange colt appeared with a red mane. "Meet, Jasper. My apprentice. Jasper, if you would. Goodbye, I do hope you change your mind next time we meet." Said Roco Cadance watched as Japer charged his horn. What was he doing? They needed help and they needed it now. "Lady Dance, I think we have a problem." Jack said, Cadance turned to Jack and saw him hugging a destressed Twilight. "I think she is losing control due to her emotional state." Think she thoughy, how could she calm Twilight and deal with the spell. "Lady Dance?! She is beginning to glow." He yelled, Lady Dance....Dance......Cadance knew what to do. "Twilight, would you like to sing and dance with me. Lets make Jack jealous." Cadance said, lowering to the young fillys eye level. She saw Twilight stop crying for a second and look her in the eye. Cadance looked over at the other unicorn his spell was getting stronger by the second. "Remeber our special song. Sunshine, Sunshine. Ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake." Cadance sung, and danced, shaking her flank and clapping her hooves. She looked towards Twilight and saw her calming down. Great she thought, "again?" Twilight asked, giving Cadance puppy dog eyes. "When we get to Canterlot, I will do it as many times as you want." Cadance said, causing the filly to smile. "How should we deal with his spell?" Asked Jack. "We don't know what it does first. Should we make a run for it?" Cadance asked. "Don't even think about it miss." Said Roco, who was still standing guard. Damn she thought, she had forgotten about him. They needed help. "We need help Jack." Cadance said. "I know, maybe I can rush him. While you carry Twilight and escape." "No!" Cadance said, she had already abandoned him once and she would never do it again. "If you need more help, why don't you just ask for it. I'm sure somepony would help." Twilight said. "Oh Twilight, sweetie. It's not that easy. We don't have any ponies here who would help us." Cadance said. "I meant with a spell. My big brother taught me one tha guards use if they are in danger. He learnt it because he wants to be a guard." "I see, can you do it now." "I can try, but I used alot of magic teleporting. I don't know if I have enough." "Please try, Twilight." Said Cadance, wrapping a wing around the filly. "What about the big scary unicorn." She asked. "Don't worry about him. Jack and I will distract him." "Ok Cadance, be careful." Said the terrified filly. "Do your best, Twilight. We are all going to be okay." Said Jack. "Ok." Cadance followed Jack and left Twilight to work the spell. They had to distract Roco, or he might try and stop them. "Roco. If I joined you would you promise to release Jack and Twilight." Cadance said, hoping Jack understood. Luckily he did and he joined the act. "No Cadance! Don't sacrifice yourself for me. I don't deserve it." He said, raising his hoof to his forehead and pushing his long mane of his shoulder. Drama Queen, prehaps Cadance should convince Jack to do some acting in Canterlot. He would be a big hit. "No Jack, don't try to change my mind. I must protect you." Cadance said, dramatically. Fcaing her back towards Jack. "Please agree Jack for yourself and for Twilight. I could not bare a world tha doesn't have you in it, brother." Cadance said, faking a few tears. "But, sister." "No, Jack. Please no more arguing. Just agree and go " "Um, miss. I hate to ruin your moment of victory. But I never did agree to your deal " said Roco. "But, sir. You must." "I don't know. That filly was pretty powerful. Being able to do a teleportation spell at that age is incredible." Roco said, turning his head towards Twilight. She had to stop him. So she did, Cadance grabbed his head with her hooves and did something that disgusted her. She kissed him. "Ahhhhhhh!" She heard Jack scream. Cadance removed her lips from Roco and tried not to throw up. She wished Twilight would hurry up. "That was lovely, miss." "So do you agree to our deal." "I might, but I have a question first, why is he screaming." "Yeah, why are you screaming Jack?" Cadance asked, she had no clue what to say. "You kissed my little sister! How could you she is only eight years old!" Jack screamed and tried to charge at the fool. Cadnace, luckily, held him back. "Let me go, brother. As I have let you go." Cadance said, hugging him tight. "Let me go, Lady Dance. I wouldn't hurt him much." Jack said, trying to wriggle free. However, Cadance didn't budge. "Now what do you say? Do we have a deal?" Cadance said, she wasn't sure how long she could hold Jack. "I say we-" Roco said, but before he could finish he was interupted by Twilight. "I did it!" She said, and began jumping. While the young filly jumped, a golden beamed shot out of her horn and broke the roof. "We are saved." Roco immediately abandoned standing by the door and stood in front of Twilight. "What did you do?" He asked, in an angry voice. "Nothing." Twilight sqeaked. "You are lucky little mouse that I already agreed with Candy that you could go and she could stay." He said, walking away from Twilight. "Let take our leave, Candy. We have much work to do." "Actually, we didn't agree on anything. So I'm afraid that the deal doesn't exist." Said, Cadance. "You little brat!" He screamed, "I will get you if it is the last thing I do!" "Boss!" "What is it?!" "The spell, I'm firing it now." "No, wait till I am out of the w-" Everything went dark and fuzzing a few seconds later. Cadances final thoughts were So this is what Jaspers spell does. "Princess? Princess? Are you awake?" A voice asked. "No, Mister voice. My head hurts." "I see. Can you open you eyes?" Mister voice asked. Cadance tried but it burned. "Nooo, it burns. Toooo bright. It hurt." Cadance said, burying her head. "I see, Princess. Can you try again? We have turned all the lights to their lowest setting." "No Princess." Cadance said, her head was still spinning and it hurt. "What would you like us to call you then?" "Can dance." "Can dance, interesting." "Doctor, I believe the Princ-paitent name is Cadance." "Oh, I see. Thank you Nurse Bucket. Cadance, can you please open your eyes now." "I try." Cadance said, she opened her eyes and say two ponies. These must be the voices. "It still hurts." "I know sweetheart, we are to help. I am Nurse Bucket and this is Doctor Salty Rich. We will take good care of you." Said the female pony, as she pointed to herself and the male pony. "Where is Jack and Twi lit?" "Jack and Twi lit? You must mean the other two ponies brought in with you. They are having similar symptoms to yourself. You can see them later, but first you need your rest." Cadance nodded her head, she did feel tired. "And Cadance, Welcome to Canterlot." The Nurse said, walking away with the Doctor. She stopped paying attention to them and close her eyes. She was tired. Cadance sighed happily, she had made it. She had made it to Canterlot, she now had a chance at saving her parents lives. She fell asleep with dreams of Jack, Twilight, her mum, her dad and herself having a pinic together on a sunny day. She would make this dream a reality. Author's Note Hi Everyone, Hope you enjoyed and thank for reading. Sliver Swirl UnexpectedCadance stared out her window. She had been in the clinic for a whole week and wanted to leave. However, Doctor Salty and Nurse Bucket insisted she stay until they cleared her with a bill of good health. Ever since she had mentioned leaving to the two, Nurse Bucket had been watching her like a hawk. She was with her every minute of every day, but she did leave during the night. But only when she was comvinced Cadance was asleep. It was hopeless, unless she figured out a genuis plan. Since she woken up, she had been spending her days talking to the guards and her medical staff. The guards had appeared on the second day, as on the first she was only awake for a few minutes. They had asked for her statement, but Cadance had no clue what that mean and had to ask the guards. Having to ask made Cadance feel embarrassed, how far behind was her village from the ever changing world. They explained that a statement, was what you saw happen at the crime scene. The guards explained that the guards usually wouldn't do this and it would be left to the police. But because a royal was involved it was given to the royal guard. Cadance didn't want special treatment becausr she was a 'royal'. However, Cadance was glad that this case would get the attention it deserved. She explained everything that happened to her in the hut, and she explained that every foal was an victim. They seemed hesitate to believe her, but nopony would say they didn't believe a royal to their face. Once she was crowned Princess, she would make sure her village thrived and those foals were treated fairly. Cadance had also spoken to her doctor, because he was the only pony who could tell her about the others. She constantly worried about Twilight and Jack. Jack was apprently being trapped like herself, so she wasn't too worried about him. But Twilight was the real pony she was wooried about. Twilight had apprently been hit very badly with the spell and magical exhaustion. She wished, she could visit both of them. Bit Nurse Bucket and Doctor Salty had forbidden it. They claimed she still needed to rest, but Cadance felt perfectly fine and she didn't want to be in a bed, completely fine, when somepony else might need it. Cadance had only one small idea, which she could use to escape. Pretend to fall asleep and then once Nurse Bucket had left. She would fly out the window, that she was currently staring out of. It was the perfect plan. So far, Cadances plan was a success. When night had fallen she had 'fallen asleep" and buried under the covers. Nurse Bucket had left shortly after and turned off the lights as she did every night. Now was her chance, Cadance thought. She carefully climbed out of bed and quietly trotted over to the window. She used her magic to open the window and prepared to take flight. Cadance knew she had promised that she would not use her magic again. But this was an emergency. Without her magic, the only other way Cadance could think of was smashing the glass. Which would cause lots of noise and commotion, which Cadance didn't want. She spread her wings and jumped out of clinic. Cadance felt unbelievable joy, to be able fly again. The last time, she thought it would be last time. Cadance hadn't wanted to be different, she still didn't want to be different. She still wanted to only use her magic and wings for emergencies, but she would crowned a Princess. Would all her suffering of not using her decorations be in waste when she became a Princess. This was Cadances biggest worry, she took a few deep calmly breathes and continued to fly. She had a destination, but at the moments she was just enjoying feeling the wind under her wings.. Cadance soon felt, another place there hooves around her. Pulling her back to the clinic, she panicked and went into shock. "What were you doing, Cadance? You know you are suppose to be resting." The Nurse asked sternly. Cadance quickly unfroze once she realised it was Nurse Bucket. She would have to lie, Nurse Bucket would watch her forever if she discovered Cadance had left for freefom. "You see......I was.....ummm..ahh." Cadance said, trying to think up an convincing lie. "I'm waiting." Said Nurse Bucket, tapping her hoof. "Ummm......I.....I.....I.....I was flying to heal quicker." "Flying to heal quicker, where did you hear such a funny idea." Nurse Bucket asked. "A doctor, I heard a doctor said it. So I decided to try it." "Cadance, sweetheart. You should have just told me. I would have let you outside if you have told me your reason." Nurse Bucket said. "Really?" "Of course." "Great, can we do it tomorrow." "Of course, I think I will bring some of my other patients along to try your this new technique." "Are you sure that is a good idea?" Cadance asked, she didn't want anypony to get more sick because of her. "Of course it will be fine. In fact, I think I will bring this Pegasus who has a broken wing. He has been so desperate to fly again, he will do just about anything. I can't wait to tell him." "Wait! Are you really gonna throw a Pegasus with a broken wing out a window." "Of course. Unless you are admitting something." "No, no. Nothing." "Great, then off I go." "Won't he be asleep." Cadance asked, trying to stall. "He is an early riser." Cadance couldn't let this happen. She couldn’t injure an injured pony, just so she could stay out of trouble. "Wait! I lied, there is no such thing. I just wanted to visit Jack and Twilight, I wanted to make sure they were okay. But I got distracted and lost track of time." "Its okay, Cadance. I knew you were lying. I wanted to see if you would ever tell the truth." "Would you have actually thrown the Pegasus out the window." Cadance asked. "Maybe, the Pegasus in question is quite a thrill seeker. I'm sure he would have loved it." There was a brief awkward silent, which Cadance interupted. "Why didn't you tell me, you knew I was lying. Why do you continue to keep me here?" Cadance asked. "I'm sorry, dear. Like I said, before I just wanted to see what you would do and for the second question. I wanted to protect you from being a Princess, from as long as I could. I just don't want to see your pure and kind soul ruined. I'm sorry, I was selfish." Nurse Bucket said, hanging her head low. "You weren't being selfish. You were taking me under your wing, you are a very special pony Nurse Bucket. In my life, only two ponies have ever taken me under their wing you and Jack. Where I come from, everypony is so busy taking care of themsleves. They didn't have any time to take care of others. To me, you are not selfish but very giving and caring. But I need to become a Princess as quickly as possible." "Thank you, sweetheart. You are too kind." Cadance began to feel her cheeks burn, "I will respect your wishes and help you get discharged. Now go to bed, you have a big day tomorrow." Cadance felt the Nurse tuck her in and then she left her again. Nurse Bucket was right, tomorrow would be a big day. She slowly drifted off to sleep. Cadance woke up and stared out the window, once more. She was so bored, Nurse Bucket had yet to show up and Cadance needed her to be discharged. She tried to explain to Doctor Salty, that Nurse said she could be discharged. But he refused to do it and unless the Nurse told her. Cadance would not be discharged. Cadance almost lost hope, that Nurse Bucket would show up. But then suddenly, the door was slammed open and Nurse Bucket ran in. "I'm sorry, I am late Cadance. I had a meeting. Lets go Cadance, I have already signed the papers for you to be discharged." "Yes!" Cadance yelled, she jumped out of bed and ran to the door. But Doctor Salty still blocked her path. "Are you sure, Nurse Bucket?" "I am positive, Doctor Salty. Now I think it is time for Cadance to go." Nurse Bucket said. The Doctor nodded his head and moved aside. "I wish you the best of luck, Princess Cadance." He said. Cadance nodded her head. "Thank you, Doctor." She said, as she walked out the door. Cadance walked beside Nurse Bucket down an unfamiliar corridor. Where was she going? "Um....Nurse Bucket, what are we doing? Are we going to see Twilight and Jack?" "No, Princess Celestia has requested to see you and Miss Twilight is also being discharged today." "What!? I have to go see her." "But Princess Celestia.........." "I don't care, Twilight is more important. Please take me to Twilight." "But......fine, dear. We will go to Miss Twilight." "Thanks, Nurse Bucket." Cadance said, she was grateful the Nurse had agreed. She wanted to make sure that Twilight got home safe and sound. "This way." Nurse Bucket said, walking down another unfamiliar corridor. The Castle was so large, Cadance knew it would take a long time to not get lost. They walked from corridor to corridor until the reached another medical room. "This is Miss Twilights room. I will be waiting outside." "Thanks." Cadance said, as she raised her hoof and knocked. "Come in." She heard a pony yell from the inside. Cadance opened the door using her magic and walked in. The room was similar to the clinic she was staying in. It was large and had a window. In the very middle of the room, she saw Twilight. "Twilight!" She called. "Cadance!" Twilight called as she ran to her. Cadance hugged the filly tight and was glad she was okay. "What are you doing here?" Twilight. "I came to check on my favourite filly." Cadance said, still hugging the filly. "Am I really your favourite filly?" Twilight asked, lifting her head out of the hug. "Of course." Cadance said, she wasn't sure if it was the right thing to say. But based on the fillys massive smile she didn't care. "Did you know, I am leaving today." "Thats great, I'm leaving today too. Are your parents coming to pick you up?" Cadance asked, her question caused Twilight to lose her massive smile. "No, they are too busy. They haven't been to visit me once." Cadance felt outraged, how could a parent not come to visit their own foal. She buried those emotions deep, she didn't want to upset Twilight. "Thats okay, I'm sure they wanted to come. I have a great idea, why don't I walk you home. You can show me where you live and your favourite spots." Cadance said. "Thanks Cadance, but I don't really go anywhere except magic kindergarten." "Then you can show me that. Are you ready to go?" "Yep!" "Thats great, just let me tell Nurse Bucket and then we can go." Cadance said. She then walked to the door and op ened it again using her aqua magic. "Nurse Bucket?" Cadance called out. "I'm here, dear. Are you ready to see Princess Celestia now?" "No, I actually promised Twilight. I would walk her home." "Surely, her own parents can do that." "They haven't even been to visit her once. I they expected her to walk home by herself." "I see, well we can't have that. I'll explain the situation to Princess Celestia. Now would you like me to send a guard with you. You are unfamiliar with Canterlot." "I will be fine." Cadance said, hoping she would be. "Okay, then. I wish you the best of luck Miss Cadance." Nurse Bucket said, she then turned away and began walking. "Thank you. Come on, Twilight!" Cadance called. "Coming Cadance." Twilight said, as she stood next to Cadance. They began walking out of the Castle and onto the streets of Canterlot. Luckily, Twilight knew exactly how to get home. Nurse Bucket took a deep breath and entered the throne room. "Your highness." She said, bowing deep. "Good morning, Miss Bucket. How are you?" "Quite well, your majesty." "That's wonderful. Now where is my niece?" She asked. "Mis- Princess Cadance decided to leave the Castle and walk one of her friends home." Nurse Bucket said, trying not get anypony in trouble. "I understand, I will send a few guards to bring her back. It is important, we plan the Coronation today." "You can't, Princess Celestia. Princess Cadance assured me she would find her way back. At least give her some time, if she is not back by the afternoon then send your guards." "I will trust you, Lady Bucket. I will wait." "Thank you, your majesty." "Once Cadance has returned, please bring her to me." "Of course, your majesty." "It was lovely to see you again, Nurse Bucket." "It was lovely to see you, as well. Your majesty. I will take my leave now." Princess Celestia nodded her head and Nurse Bucket took that as an opportunity to leave. She hoped Cadance was alright and that she would return soon. Cadance walked beside Twilight, she had never seen such a place. Canterlot was so very large and busy, and ponies wore clothes for no reason. In the village, you would only wear clothes to either protect your body or to keep warm. Wearing clothes for no reason, seemed so stupid! Even though Cadance, did wear clothes occassionally. She wore them to fit in. So she wearing clothes to protect herself. Cadance decided to ask Twilight, if there was a reasonable explanation. "Why do they wear, those hats? Do they have horns, they need to hide?" "No, why would anypony want to hide their horn. Most ponies who live in Canterlot are unicorns. They wear the hats because it makes them look good and it shows their wealth and importance." "Really?" Cadance had never heard of such a thing, where she came from no pony ever dressed to look good. "But some of those hats look so silly." "Yeah, its called fashion. My mum says the more expensive, the more silly and grand it looks." Canterlot ponies were so confusing. "Where do you live, Twilight?" "I live in Canterlot square." "Do you like it?" "Its okay, we use to live elsewhere but then mum became friends with Diamond Crust who brought the house for us. Mum expects me to go work for Ms Diamond to repay her genorsity." "Do you want to work, there?" "Not really, Diamond Crust owns the second best school in Canterlot and a pizza business. Mum expects me to go to school, there and then work there as a Professor. But, I want to go to the best school in Canterlot." "Whats is the best school in Canterlot?" "Its Celestias School for Gifted Unicorns. It has the greatest education program and you have access to the Royal library. But its really expensive, so I can't go. Ms Diamond has kindly offered me a scholarship." "What is a scholarship?" Cadance asked, embarrassed. "A scholarship is when because of either academic excellent or lack of money. You get either a discount on the school fees or you don't have to pay anything." That made sense, Cadance thought. "I'm sure, you could get a scholarship at Celestias school for gifted unicorns." Cadance said, honesty. Twilight was the smartest filly Cadance had ever seen. "Thanks, Cadance." The spent the rest of the trip in silence. Cadance had alot of her mind, she felt so stupid and so behind compared to Twilight. She didn't lots of things due to her disadvantaged village life. Would she be able to keep up with Canterlot? "Umm, Cadance. This is it." Twilight said, snapping Cadance out of her thoughts. Cadance looked at the hous in front of her. It was very grand, it was two stores and made of concrete. There was garden at the front which had many different kinds of flowers. "Its beautiful, Twilight." Cadance said. "You don't have to come in and meet my family. If you don't want to." Twilight said. "I'd love to meet your family, Twilight." Cadance said, walking up to the door and knocking. "Yes, who is it?" Called a voice from the inside. "Its me, mum. Twilight." Twilight said, seconds later. A middle aged mare appeared and hugged Twilight tight. "Twilight, welcome home! I've missed you. But dear, just because you have been through a traumatic event doesn't mean you can call me mum. It makes me feel so old, please call mummy." "Fine." Twilight said. "Now who is this? A new friend?" "This is Cadance, she is the pony who rescued me." "Oh, I see. Thank you Ms Cadance, for bringing back my only filly. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask." "Thank you, Ms......" Cadance said, raising a hoof for the mare to shake. "Twilight, Twilight Velvet. Now I won't having any of that hoof shaking happening around here. Anypony who saves Twilight, is practically family. Now come in." "Thank you, for the offer Ms Velvet. But I really must be going." "Okay, but please come back and visit and remember. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate." "Bye, Twilight." Cadance said, as she walked away. Now she had to find her way back to the Castle. She spread her wings and took flight. This was also an emergency, she had to get back to Canterlot as quickly as possible. Author's Note Hi Everyone, Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed. Thanks, Sliver Swirl. The MeetingCadance loved the feeling of the wind under her wings. She could see the Castle much better from the sky. She didn't know Canterlot very well and didn't want to risk getting lost and getting Nurse Bucket in trouble. So, Cadance decided to fly, for she could not miss the Castle from the sky. If she did, she would have been blind. Which meant she would be more different and more behind. The Castle didn't have a landing pad, like she expected. Cadance knew they had a landing pad on the roof of the hospital in the village. She had expected that every expensive building had one. But unfortunately, the Castle did not. She had to glide down, which was amazing. Cadance could feel the adrenaline pumping through her body. Which made her want to move faster and faster. Until it was too late, her wings and her mind weren't ready for last minute pull ups. Cadance had never been one to try extreme stunts. She had been the pony who was hiding her wings. She wasn't ready for this, the wind pulled her wings apart and she could see the concrete, this was the end. She closed her eyes in preparation, but a miracle happened. Cadance felt hooves wrap around her and pull her out of the danger. She opened her eyes and saw Jack! "Ja-" Cadance tried to say, but Jack interupted her and began talking. "Lady Dance, are you alright?" "I'm fi-" "Also where were you?, I woke up today and heard you were getting discharged and walking Twilight back home. So I went there and you weren't. Then flew back here just in time to see you nearly become a pancake. What were you thinking?" "A pancake? What is a pancake?" Cadance asked, confused. "Fine, you would have been flatted." "So a pancake is flat?" Cadance asked, still confused. What was the point of something that was only flat? "Forget the pancake. This is important, Cadance. Your life is important." "I know my life is important, I was flying to the Castle and then I was gliding down. Its not a big deal." "If you knew your life was important. You wouldn't be doing these crazy stunts! And of course this is a big deal! Now let me get us down." "I can fly by myself, Jack." "I know that, the question is whether or not you can be trusted to fly by yourself." Jack said, lowering them to the ground. Cadance felt so very angry, but she then realised. What did she have to be angry about? Jack was trying to look out for her. He saved her life, and she thanked him by yelling it him. She had to make this right. "I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to make you worry can you forgive me, Sir Jack." Cadance said, using the puppy dog eyes. "Of course, I can Lady Dance. But only if you forgive me too. I shouldn't had yelled or acted like a jerk." Jack said, his ears folding to his head. "I forgive you, Sir Jack." "Thank you, Lady Dance. Now where to my lady?" He asked. "To Princess Celestia, Sir Jack." "Let us go my lady. Hold on tight." Cadance wrapped her hooves tight around her brother and prepared for an adventure. Jack was an amazing flier, and he glided better then she did. He could do tricks and fly really fast. He was much better then her. He pulled up last minute from the concrete and then headed towards the enterance. Cadance could guards there, she hoped they wouldn't give them any trouble. Jack tried to zoom past th em, but was stopped by the two Pegasi wings. "What is your purpose?" One of the guards asked. Cadance decided to take charge and answer there question. She unwrapped her hooves from Jack and jumped off his body. Once she was on the ground, Cadance made sure she was looking the guards straight in the eye. "We are here to visit, Princess Celestia. I am her niece, Lady Cadance, and this is my guard and servant Sir Jack. We need to get to that meeting, immediately." Cadance said, flaring her wings to show both her horn and wings. She hoped they would let them through. They both immediately dropped into a bow once she finished speaking. "Forgive us, my lady. The Princess did inform us that you would be arriving. But for safety reasons, I'm afraid you must answer a question correctly if you wish to pass." "I'm fine with that." "Where did you just go?" "I went to Twilights house to drop her off." "And why were you dropping her off?" "Because her parents couldn't pick her up." "I see and who are her parents?" What? Cadance thought, how was she suppose to know. Twilight had only mentioned her mother not her father and Cadance had only met the mother. "I....ahh....." "We are waiting." The guard said. "Twilight Velvet is the mothers name, but I have never met the father." Cadance said, honesty. "You pass, Lady Cadance." "But, I didn't know the fathers name." "You weren't expected to. The father is on a business trip." That made sense, Cadance thought. That was why Twilights father couldn't pick her up. She hoped Twilight knew that and didn't think that her father was neglecting her. "Ok, can you let Sir Jack and I pass now?" Cadance asked. The guards nodded and lowered their wings. She entered the Castle with Jack right behind her, "Do you know where Princess Celestia is?" She asked Jack. "Not really, I have heard that the throne room is in the middle of the Castle." "Where you hear this?" Cadance asked, maybe they could help them. "Just from some of the doctors talking." "I guess, we can't ask them fir help. I don't know where the clinic is? Do you?" She asked Jack, who shook his head. "Every hall and corridor looks the same. Hopefully we find somepony soon." Cadance said. The duo walked in circles for a very long time until she heard Jack say something, "look Lady Dance, we are saved." Cadance looked over to where Jack was gesturing and saw a small coat. He had a white coat and a golden mane. "Maybe we can ask him for help?" Cadance said. But before she could move Jack blocked her way with one of his dark blue wings. "Jack, what are you doing?" Cadance asked. "Look." He said, Cadance pushed down Jacks wing and looked at what the small colt was doing. He was gardening and planting flowers. The small colt looked as if he was concentrating very hard. "I think we might be intruding on something, Lady Dance. We best find another pony." Jack said, pushing her with his wing. Cadance agreed with Jack, she didn't want to disturb the colt. It took them along time, but eventually they found another pony. She was a servant, who offered to escort them to the Princess. The entire journey, Cadance could not get that pony out of her mind. Why was he trying so hard to plant flowers? What was the special meaning? "Cadance." Jack called, "we're here." He said, pointing to the large golden doors. Cadance didn't even know doors could be that large. "Miss Cadance." Cried a voice, Cadance looked towards the direction she saw it come from and saw Nurse Bucket. "Nurse Bucket? What are you doing here?" Cadance said. "I was stalling the Princess for you so you could walk the little filly home." "Thank you, Nurse Bucket." "Its no problem, Sweetheart." Nurse Cadance said, she then turned to Jack and continued talking. "Now who is this handsome stallion? Is he your coltfriend?" Nurse Bucket asked. "Ewww, he is my brother and I don't want a coltfriend." "Whatever you say, dear. You know Miss Cadance was so worried about you. Everday she would ask the doctor whether you were okay." The Nurse said. Cadance felt her cheeks go red, how did Nurse Bucket know that? She was tempted to pull her wings over her face to hide her embarrassment. "Its okay, Lady Dance. I already know you can't live without me." Jack said, using his wing to pull Cadance closer. Cadance was about retort, but another pony began speaking, "as touching as this moment is, Princess Celestia is expecting Lady Cadance. You can't keep her waiting." "Forgive us Inky Quill, I just wanted to make sure Lady Cadance was ready." "Of course, you were. But you have somewhere else to be. Like changing the sheets on a bed ir helping some pony go to the toliet." Inky Quill said. Nurse Bucket felt embarrassed, Cadance didn't know how she knew that though. She didn't look embarrassed. "Excuse me, Miss Cadance and Sir Jack. I must be going, if you ever need anything. I will be in the clinic." "You must excuse her. Now Lady Cadance are you ready?" Inky Quill asked. "I think so?" "Good, now lets go." Cadance and Jack followed Inky Quill but before they could enter. Inky Quill stopped, "what are you doing?" "I'm following you." Cadance said, once again confused. "Not you, Lady Cadance. I was referring to your little friend. He is not needed for this meeting." "Sir Jack is coming." Cadance said, firmly before Jack could say anything. "I'm afraid, Lady Cadance. That this meeting will be between you and Princess Celestia only. Even I, her most trusted advisor, will be outside." Cadance wasn't sure what else to say, she turned and looked at Jack. He was nodding his head and pushing her away. "Will you look after him, while I am inside?" Cadance asked, Inky Quill. "Of course, my lady. We will both wait here until you come back." "Thank you." Cadance said, she took a deep breathe and opened the door. It was time to begin. Inside, was very different from the outside Cadance thought. The throne room was massive, it was had little furniture beside the massive golden throne. There was not much else worth noticing. On the massive throne was Princess Celestia, reading a long scroll. Cadance was unsure what to do, should she interupt the Princess? Cadance had only spoken to her once. She decided to merely stand there and was wait for the Pr- her Aunt to notice her. She stood there silently, and felt like forever until Princess Celestia looked up from the piece of paper. "Cadance! What a surprise!" Celestia said, placing the scroll down and stepping out of her throne. "It is so good to see you! Tell me how are you?" The Princess said, with a giant smile. "I am fine, Princess Celestia." "Its not Princess, remember. We are family, family do not use titles. Call me Aunty Celestia. " Celestia said. Cadance nodded her head, not saying a word. "Great, then lets have tea in the garden." "But I thought we were staying here." Cadance said, she didn't want to leave. "Everything will be fine. If we are gone too long, Inky has orders to escort your friend to a room." "But-" "Come on, Cadance. I wanted to discuss some things with you privately." The Princess said, walking off. Cadance could have turned back and gone to Jack. But she had things she wanted to discuss with the Princess to. She had a choice to make, she just hoped she made the right one. She decided to follow the Princess out a side door to the garden. Cadance would leave here, unless she was a Princess. Unless she had the money to save her family. With that in mind, she walked through the small door. Hopefully, everything would turn out okay. Author's Note Hi Everyone, Hope you all enjoyed and thanks for reading. Sliver Swirl.
Chapter 1: Moving onCadance sat in the dirt. She was different, she was strange compared to every other pony in her village. Her parents were Earth ponies, everypony was a Earth pony except Cadance and travellers. She was different before and it was even worse now. Cadance was a distant relative of the Princess, which is why she was a winged unicorn. Princess Celestia had tracked her down and had offered her the truth. She was different and she couldn't change it with a hat or a jacket like she had before. She now knew why she was different in more ways then one. Cadance was adopted by two kind earth ponies who found her in the night. Even though they weren't her biological family, she still loved them. Cadance knew her village was poor, many families were struggling. She wanted to help and Princess Celestia had offered her assistance if Cadance came with her to Canterlot to learn how to be a Princess. She didn't know what to do. She was pretty sure, she didn't want to be a Princess. But she wanted to help. Cadance didn't want to walk the streets and ignore those suffering. "Hey, Princess Cadance. Please I need bits, my foals are straving please spare something. Please Princess." Said a pony. Cadance looked up and saw Mrs Huff Puff, she had a red coat and a brown mane. "I'm sorry, Mrs Huff Puff. I'm not a Princess and I don't have any money." "Please, Please. If you don't it will be your fault they go hungry." Mrs Huff Puff said, pointing a hoof at Cadance. She was starting to attract attention, she didn't want this. Cadance wanted to disapear. She heard more ponies approach. So she ran, Cadance was unable to face those who were suffering because of her. She ran home, to avoid the crowd that was building. "Help us Princess!" "Please Princess!" "Princess Cadance!" "Princess!" "Princess!" "I'M NOT A PRINCESS." Cadnace screamed as she ran and began to cry. She had no choice, she abandoned her jacket and took to the skies. She landed on one of the clouds and began to cry more. Cadance wasn't a Princess, she didn't want to be different. Her whole life she wanted to normal, not the one with wings or a horn. But now she never could be. She placed her head into the cloud, the softness and air always feel better. Cadance heard wings flap, it must have been one of the birds that lived in the area. She didn't lift her head, they could wait. "May I join you?" A familiar voice asked, it was gentle and friendly. It didn't sound at all like a bird. Cadance lifted her head to inspect the stranger and saw Princess Celestia. She knew she was suppose to be polite but Cadance was annoyed at Celestia. Without Celestia, nobody would know about Cadance being a Princess. Cadance would have just been the pony with extra bits, which they had just gotten use to. "I will take that as a yes. I assume you a angry at me. It is understandable that you would be angry. Being a Princess is very hard and I need you to brave filly. You have a great destiny, I can tell." Cadance was about to explode, but she used her breathing excercises to remain calm. "I don't want a great destiny. I want to be Cadance the pony with a horn and wings not Princess Mi Amore Cadenza the winged unicorn of Equestria. Thank you for your offer, but I like my life and I could not abandon my parents. I'm sorry Princess Celestia." "I see, please call me Aunty Celestia. Even if you choose not to be a Princess, we are still family. If you change your mind, come to Canterlot Palace and show this." Celestia handed her a piece of paper, Cadance tucked it under her wing. "After showing this, ask for an audience with Princess Celestia or Aunty Celestia. Whatever you prefer." "Thank you, but I won't be necessary." "Of course, it was lovely meeting you Cadance." Cadance watched the giant white alicorn leave and disapear to the ground below. She sat up here for many hours, Cadance rarely flew. She didn't want others to think of her as an outsider. This would be the last time she would be in the sky. Cadance arrived home, very quickly. She was tempted to fly avoid the mob. But decided to walk. She was now a normal villager, she had no reason to hide. She acted like a normal citizen and nobody bothered her. Since the Princess had left, she was left alone for the most part. Cadance walked up to her house, it was one story and made of wood. It was simple, plain and had a large garden out the back. She loved where she lived, Cadance didn't need luxury. She opened the door using her hoof and yelled, "Mum! Dad! I'm home. Is anypony there?" Cadance yelled so her voice could be heard through the entire house. What was going on? Where were her parents? It was pitch black, Cadance was going to light her horn. But she couldn't, Cadance was normal now. Her horn and wings were......decoration. They did nothing, and were simply just there. Which exactly how she wanted it. "Mum! Dad! Are you okay!" She yelled, they were both suppose to be home. Cadance heard rustling, were they being robbed, was somepony going to attack her. She decided to use her magic, this was a once off. After this she would never use magic again. Cadance used her magic to light horn so she could see the area where she had heard the rustle. In the area, Cadance a green mare with a light green mane, it was her mother. Her mother pulled her into a quick hig and then pushed her away. "Cadance, please Cadance leave. It is too dangerous." "Mum, what happened? Please answer me." "Your father is very sick and it is very contagious. He was escorted to the towns hospital but they don't have enough supplies and we can barely afford it. But don't worry, you are going to be fine." Cadance was shocked her father was always so careful and hardly ever got sick. "Wait, what is going to dad? What do you mean, I will be fine. What about you?" "I have spoken to Nurse Bouquet. She has agreed to take care of you until I can get back on my hooves." "What about you and dad?" "I am going to start working and I will be living at the hospital." "Why can't you live here?" "The disease might be here. They are blocking it off, till further notice. That is why we must leave, I don't want you to get sick. Come on, Cadance. We will be fine." Cadance followed her mother but she could tell it wouldn't be fine. Without the house, Dads job and the vegetables they sold. They had nothing, they would not be fine. Maybe it wasn't as bad as everypony was making it. "Mum, are we going to visit Dad?" "Yes, and then you are going with Nurse Bouquet. You will be on your best behavior with her correct?" "Of course, Mum." Cadance said, as she continued to follow her Mum. She looked back one last time at the house she loved. This felt like this would be the last time she would ever see it. Cadance sat in the hospital room, Nurse Bouquet had told them her father had a deadly flu. Cadance couldn't trully sit next to him, his entire room was sealed off. She could only see him through the glass. She knew they were doomed. Her father was currently asleep, so she didn't speak to him. He needed his rest. "Excuse me, Mrs Ivy. I will be leaving soon, please say your goodbyes to Cadanza." "Oh of course, thank you for doing this Nurse Bouquet. May I have a private moment with my family." "Of course." Nurse Bouquet then opened the door and walked out the door. She then closed the door behind her. "I'm sorry Cadance. I am a horrible mother." "No your not, you are the best mother." "Thank you Cadance. I just wanted to say I love you and I will miss you. I don't know when we will next see each other, but just know I will always love you." Mum said, pulling Cadance close. "I love you too Mum." Cadance said returning the hug. They stayed that way until her mother pulled away. Her mother looked awful. She looked tired and she had tears running down her face. Cadance wished she had a tissue to give her. "I have a gift for you, darling. A book that I use to read to you as a filly. When you read this, I will be in your heart and you will be in mine." "Okay, Mum." Cadance didn't really understand but she liked the idea of feeling loved everytime she read a book. There loving moment was interupted by knocking and a voice, "Mrs Ivy, my shift has ended. I'm leaving with Cadanza now." Her mother quickly wiped her face and spoke, "Yes, yes come in. Cadance is ready and packed. We have said our goodbyes. Please come in." Cadance quickly put her special book in her saddlebag. She didn't want Nurse Bouquet to know about the book. "Thank you, Mrs Ivy. Now come on Cadanza we must go." "Bye Mum, tell Dad I love him. If he wakes up when I'm not here." "I will, darling. Have fun Cadance and behave." Cadance felt sad as she was pulled away from her fathers hospital room. "Don't worry, deary. Everything will be fine." Nurse Bouquet said, Cadance took a close look at the pony. She had a pink coat and a purple mane, and Cadance couldn't see her cutie mark because of her nurse uniform. "Umm... Nurse Bouquet I was just wondering where is my mum staying in the hospital." "Your Mum, isn't staying in the hospital. There is a motel downtown where she is renting a room." "But we don't have that kind of money. She won't be able to stay long." "Don't worry Cadanza. Your Mother has assured me everything will work out. Now wait here, while I go grab my coat." Cadance wouldn't leave her family like this. She would take care of them, Cadance pulled out the piece of paper she had hidden among her feathers. She would travel to Canterlot and then she would become a Princess. As a Princess she would have lots of money to help her family and others like hers. Cadance walked out of the hospital and went to the marketplace. She needed somepony to show her how to get to Canterlot. She found the perfect pony, Sir Jack. He was a merchant and claimed to have been everywhere. Sir Jack, was a dark blue Pegasus stallion with a long white mane. He had it tied close to the bottom of his ponytail and wore a jacket with wing holes. Jack had taught everything she knew, after all Cadance was the only flier in the village. Everypony else were outsiders like Jack. Cadance liked Jack, he was the only Pegasus willing to teach her what she needed to know. Like preen and fly. Cadance approached him and called out using his nickname, "Sir Jack!" "Lady Dance. Have you come to show me how to dance." Jack said, moving his body in a awkward way. "Not today Jack, I need your help. I need to get to Canterlot. Can you show me?" "I can, but do your parents know you are doing this Lady Dance?" Jack asked, concerned. "Please Jack, my father is sick. I want to help him." "Fine Dance, you win as usual. You are just in luck. I am heading it that direction and I happen to have a special offer for maps." "Really, Sir Jack. What is the special offer?" "Completely free. But don't tell anyone, it would ruin me." He said with a wink. "Thanks, Jack lets go." "Fine, Lady Dance. But prehaps I should lead." "Right." Cadance said, looking rather sheepish. Cadance felt very grateful towards Jack. He was always helping everypony and had played with her when she was a little filly. He was the big brother she had never had. They walked many miles before they rested. Cadance had never walked this far in her life. "Jack, can we please rest." "Good call, Lady Dance. It is getting late and I am exhausted." He pretended to fall in a heap. Which caused Cadance to laugh. "So how do you usually set up camp? Do you make a fire? Do you have tents?" "I don't have tents. We are going to sleep on clouds." "Clouds, but I have never slept on a cloud." "You should always try new things Lady Dance. Come on try it, I promise you will love it." Jack said, he then spread his wings and took flight. "Come on, Lady Dance! You will love it." "What if I don't" she yelled, Cadance was scared. She wasn't a very good pegasus. "Then we can sleep on a tree together. I'm not going to leave you Lady Dance. I said I would get you there and I will." Cadance removed her jacket and placed it in her saddlebag. It was like lying on a cloud, she told herself. She could do this, sleeping wasn't very different then lying down. Cadance landed on the cloud, it was soft and felt lovely. Cadance strenched her wings and layed down next to Jack. But she had to stop streching her wings, as her feathers began to hurt. "Would you like me to preen them for you?" "No they can wait, besides preening wings are only suppose to be done by couples or family members." "We are family though Lady Dance. Family is not just based on blood. I thought you knew that better then anypony." Jack said sadly. "I do, its just I thought you didn't see me as anything other then a friend or a stranger. You never asked me if I wanted to come on your adventures or anything." "You are such a silly filly Lady Dance. Sure I travel and have bever offered to bring you with me but that was because of three reasons. The first, you are a filly. The second, I thought you never wanted to leave the village. The third, I know how much you wanted to be normal. If you had left with me you would have never had that chance, the choice to be what you want to be." "Thank you Jack." "It is always a pleasure Lady Dance. Now Silly Fillies should go to bed or they won't be able to dance. Good Night Sister Dance." "Good Night, Sir Brother." Cadance felt content, she had forgotten all of her problems. She refuses to focus on the negative. Instead she focused on the positive, Cadance was no longer an only child. Author's Note Thank you for reading and please leave a comment below. Sliver Swirl.
Chapter 2: The Journey to your HeartJack looked down at his wings. Wrapped under his wing was Cadance. It felt nice to no longer be alone. To have a family. He swore that this time he would protect his family, he would protect Cadance. Jack had a rough idea of what Cadance was planning. If she continued down this path trouble would be waiting for her. Jack had heard rumours of the newest Royal. A winged unicorn who was distant relative to Princess Celestia. He had assumed it was Cadance. For he had never seen another pony with both wings and a horn. Many wanted a piece of newest royal. To manipulate her, to have a piece of her crown. Jack had even heard grown stallions and mares proclaiming their love for the newest princess. Now that Jack was sure Cadance was the Princess he knew she was in way over her head. Cadance was still a filly, she was a mature filly but she still a young filly. Cadance didn't even have her cutie mark or her fully grown Pegasus wings or Unicorn horn. He wanted to watch over her, to be the big brother she deserved. But he was scared that he would fail. Was it worth taking the risk? He looked at the little filly wrapped in his wings and decided it was, Lady Dance was worth everything. Jack had made his choice and he would change everything to be with Lady Dance. He would join her in Canterlot and make life there with her. His dreams for his future and his sister was ruined, by the sound of his stomach grumbling. Damn, he thought. Jack carefully moved away from Cadance and reached for his saddlebag. He opened it and searched for food. But he found none, this caused him to have a realization. Jack had forgotten food, he had been in such a rush to save Cadances father. That he had forgotten the most important item. Now he had to go and fetch breakfast for them. Once Jack was sure Cadance was cormfortable and asleep, he glided down. He hoped Cadance wouldn't wake up before he got back. Cadance began to feel cold, she was having an amazing dream about getting bits to save her father and her mother. Then she dreamed, her father decided to adopt Jack. She wished it was reality, then Jack could stay with her forever. Cadance knew her parents had always secretly desired more children. But had never wished to bring them into the village life. Where they might go hungry or be without anything. Jack would be the perfect new family member he was funny, kind and already was family to Cadance. Cadance still hadn't opened her eyes. She didn't want to for, she knew reality would be very different from her dream. But she knew she had to, Cadance didn't want Jack to have to wake her up. She streched her wings and legs and opened her eyes. "Jack?" Cadance called, but he wasn't there. Had he left her? Was he behind on his travelling and had to leave to make up time. Cadance felt upset, but Jack was her brother and she would respect his decisions. Her mother had told Cadance, that it was important to respect ponies decisions. She didn't want to leave, she wanted to wait. But Cadance didn't know how long her family could last without the money. Her father could be on his deathbed. Cadance couldn't afford to wait. She leaped off the cloud and spread her wings. But her wings were not preened which meant they were not clean and flexible. She could not fly with unclean feathers and she began to crash land. "AAAAHHAHAH" Cadance screamed. "JACK!! MUM!! DAD!! SOMEONE HELP!!" Cadance screamed. She closed her eyes and saw her life flash before her eyes. Her father young and healthy, her mother happy with no stress evident on her face and Jack her brother teaching how to spread her wings for the first time. Cadance thought it was all over and began praying for Celestias help. But then Cadance felt her body be pulled, she wasn't sure how to explain it. But she felt sick and different and no longer felt as if she was failing. "It is alright, you're alright miss." A voice said, he sounded kind and gentle like an angel. Cadance opened her eyes and looked up. There was a stallion, he was quite tall and had a dark green coat and a brown mane. "T....th-thank y-..you" Cadance stammered, why was she stammering she wondered. "What is your name, miss? Or do you perfer me to call you miss." "M-m... My........ N..na-m...me i..s Cad...." "Cad? That is not a nice name for a young lady. May we give you a nickname." Cadance nodded her head, not trusting her voice. It was acting strange. "I see, then how about Candy? How does that sound miss?" "Grrrr......grrrrr." "Grr? Are you sure you are alright miss? We can help you if you need to. We are on our way to Canterlot if you would care to join us." Cadance nodded her head, they had strength in numbers. "Great, lets move out." Cadance followed him and realised he had never introduced himself. She walked in front of him and pointed at him, "me? What is it Candy? What about me?" She couldn’t speak to him, not with her voice acting all weird. So she wrote it in the dirt, but because limited education in the village. It didn't come out quite right, WAT IS NAM? "Wat is nam? Do you mean what is name?" Cadance nodded her head, she felt embarrassed. Did she really spell it so wrong? "Well, my name is Oro Rock. My friends call me Roco though, you can call me Roco too miss. If you woukd like and this is Scarlett Cry." He said pointing the blood red Pegasus, "and this is River Cry." He said pointing to the other Pegasus. "They are siblings. But you can call Scarlett, Lett and River, Ri. If you would like." Cadance nodded her head again, nicknames were nice. She continued to follow them, never looking back. Jack flew back to the cloud where he had left Cadance. He had spent the entire morning looking for food and had managed to find a few apples. He hoped Dance hadn't moved but Jack doubted that she would sit still. Cadnace was determined to get to Canterlot and save her family. The cloud where he had left her was abandoned and had no remains except for a few broken pink feathers. Jack immediately followed them, he had forgotten to preen her wings last night. Cadance must have fallen. This was all Jacks fault, he should have just preened her wings. Why did he have to forget. He was a horrible brother, it hadn't even been a day and he had already lost her. Jack searched the forest, she had to be around here somewhere. He would search this entire area and if he did not find her. Jack would go to Canterlot to search there. If Cadance was not in Canterlot either, Jack would demand an audience with the Princess. He would then convince her to find Cadance. Jack had everything under control. He thought, but then he flew into a net and blacked out. Cadance was so happy that the group she was travelling with were was so nice. They were prepared too, as the had tents and everything. She would miss sleeping in the sky, but Roco was a unicorn. She couldn’t expect the group to leave him on the ground while they slept in the sky. Mum had always said not to expect too much from a male if you weren't related. So she couldn't expect anything of Roco, that would be rude. Cadance would do this herself. While Cadance was thinking, Roco, Lett and Ri had set up the tent."Umm Miss? Miss? I am going to turn in for the night. You might want to set up your tent soon, it will start raining soon." Roco said, walking What? Wasn't he going to offer her his tent like every other male she had known would have. But every other male she knew was family. She had no family with her anymore, this meant she could only rely on herself from here on out. "Of course, I am going to sleep on a cloud." Cadance said, hoping she sounded excited. She didn't want to rely anypony, that wasn't family. "I see, good luck with that miss. We will be leaving at dawn." He said, before he walked into his tent. Lett and Ri quickly followed him. Cadance was scared after they left, she had never been so alone. She had always had something around, even if it was just her bird friends. But Cadance couldn't allow herself to dwell on the negative. If she did, she would never achieve her goal and never make it to Canterlot. She spread her wings and took off. Cadance landed uneasily on a cloud, she still hadn't preened her wings. It was a miracle she had made it on the cloud at all. Cadance couldn't deal with that right now, she had to get some sleep. Cadance was glad she had grown her hair long. It could get cold, during the winter. Sometimes there was not enough blankets for everypony. She had always given her blanket to either her parents or one of the smaller foals. Tonight was one of those nights, Cadance used her long hair to feel safe and not alone. Jack felt dizzy and light headed. His head badly hurt. Where was he? What was going on? He tried to remember what had happened. He had remembered, trying to find Cadance and then blacking out. "Are you awake?" A small filly asked, "are you okay?" Jack looked at the filly, she was a purple unicorn. "Sir?" "I'm awake. Do you know where we are?" Jack asked the filly gentely. "No,I...I just appeared here and then I met these nice and they brought me here. They said I owed them. I'm scared." "Its is going to be okay, what is your name? I am Sir Jack, traveller of the world and protector of cute fillies like yourself." "If I tell you, will you promise not tell my mummy that I spoke to a stranger." "I promise." "My name is Twilight Sparkle." Cadance couldn't sleep, there was too much going on in her head. She was worried about Jack and her parents. Why was she is such a hurry to leave? She should have waited. It was all her fault, if she hadn't left. She wouldn't be alone. Cadance would be with Jack and he would tell his funny stories. Or he would preen her wings and they would dance. "Hurry up!" A voice yelled, it spooked Cadance and she pulled her hair over her eyes. She should just ignore it, then it would be somepony elses problem. Cadance had bigger issues. "What about the brat on the cloud." "Leave 'er, lets deal with the unicorn filly tonight. She will make us rich." Filly? What were they doing with the filly? Cadance wondered, maybe she was a friend of hers. Maybe she was going to help them. But Cadance couldn't help but wonder, was that filly in danger. Could she help? Should she help? She remembered what it was like to be a filly and nopony would help you. Cadance never wanted anypony else to go through that. She glided down with her damaged wings and managed to land safety. She saw Lett and Roco walking side by side, deeper into the forest. "So what treasure, are we gonna go after first. I'm thinking the Canterlot Diamonds." "I like your thinking, what do we tell River?" "Tell him we are trying to return the fillies and colts home." "But won't he be supcious when we return with them." "We will have no choice but to say we couldn't find there homes. So they are gonna stay with us." "What about Candy?" "We can either treat her the same as the foals or trade her for more loot. I'm sure somepony will want to trade, something good for her." Cadance couldn't believe what she was hearing. Maybe it was all just a misunderstanding. She continued to follow them, but she couldn't hear anymore of the conversation. They soon approached a hut and knocked on the door. While Cadance watched from a safe distance. What was this place? They opened the door and entered the hut. Cadance ran and quickly entered after them. Inside the hut was small and there were many doors. Cadance couldn't tell which door they had entered, she was too slow. She decided to enter the closest door. Cadance opened the door using her hoof and looked inside. She saw a small unicorn filly sitting in the middle of the room. She was being asked questions by Roco and Lett. "We helped you, so you help us. That is how the world works sweetheart." "But......but, I just want to go home." The unicorn said. "You do this for us, we will do that for you. We will help each other, thats what friends do." "Do you promise? Are you really my friends?" "Of course, we are sweetheart." "Now, you read all the books in this room and then figure out how to do the magic." The filly nodded her head and had a determind look on her face. Lett and Roco walked towards the door, Cadance quickly closed and ran outside. She made a silent promise to herself that she would help that filly and find out the truth. Cadance dived into the bushed outside th hut and waited. Once she saw Lett and Roco walk past her hiding spot. She crept back into the hut and opened the door again. Inside the filly is crying. Cadance approached her and tapped her, "Why are you crying?" She asked in her kindest voice. "Because I can't figure how to do this and if I can't they will take me home." The filly said. Cadance wanted to help, but she didn't know how. She knew what always cheered her up, a song and dance. She began to make up lyrics. "Sunshine, Sunshine. Ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake." "Wow. You are such a great dancer." The filly said, "I wish I could be as good as you." "I wasn't always that good of dancer. I only became good because if the encouragement of my brother. He even nicknamed me Lady Dance." "Do you think you could help me become good at something." "Of course, my name is Cadance." "I'm Twilight Sparkle. Your name is amazing, my name isn't even original. My mum is called Twilight and her mum is called Twilight." "Don't worry, I am positive you will sparkle brighter then the rest." "Thanks, Cadance." "Now come on, we have got to go." Cadance said, pushing the filly out of the room. "Wait! There was this other pony. I can't leave him behind." "Of course." Cadance followed Twilight, who led her through a stream of corridors and halls. Until they finally stopped infront of a brown shabby door. "This where I was staying. He should be in here." Cadance nodded her head, not sure what else to say. She opened the door and followed the filly in. "Jack!" Twilight said, running in. Could it be? "Light welcome back." "Come and meet my friend Cadance." Twilight said, pulling a pony into her line of sight. "Jack?" Cadance said. "Lady Dance! Where were you? Did these ponies kidnap you like they did Twilight?" "No......I'm sorry Jack. I left because I wanted save my father, I am a horrible sister. Then I fell and I met these ponies and they said they would help me." Cadance said, crying. She was such a fool. She felt Jack use his wing to bring her close. "Hey, you're not a horrible sister and its not your fault. If anypony is horrible it is me. What kind of brother loses their sister in a day. Don't worry Lady Dance." "Yeah, Cadance. Without you I would still be crying. You make everypony feel better." Twilight said, smiling. Cadance pulled the young filly into a hug. She then felt her brother pulled her and Twilight into a group hug. Cadance felt love and happiness flow through everypony. "Cadance, look." Twilight said, pointing her hoof. Cadance followed her hoof and saw her flank glow. She was lifted the air and seperated from the others. Cadance surrounded by a white glow. When Cadance was placed back on the ground she saw a cutie mark in place of her blank flank. "I have a cutie mark! I got a cutie! I got my cutie mark!" Cadance said, picking up Twilight and spinning in a circle. "Cadance, your squishing me." Twilight said. "Sorry Twilight, I'm just really happy and without you and Jack. I wouldn't have my cutie mark." Cadance said, releasing the purple filly. "What is it?" Twilight asked, staring at her flank. "I'm not sure." Cadance said, joining the filly in staring at her flank. It was a blue crystallized heart, with two golden swirls. "A cutie mark is linked to a ponies talent and destiny." Jack said, pointing to his own. His cutie mark was a cart with a mask hanging out. "This is symbolising my gift with trading and my destiny of being a merchant. My also was believed that my cutie mark had something to with my wandering habits." "What about the mask?" Twilight asked, now staring at Jacks flank. "I'm not sure. Cutie marks are not a simple as they seem. It takes years for some ponies to understand their cutie mark. I still don't completely understand mine. But yours probably has something to do with the love and kindness you share with everpony. It is believed that some ponies personalities are connected to their cutie marks. I guess Lady Dance cutie mark is related to her loving personality." "Hes right. I mean you cared about me and made me feel better even though, you had just met me." Twilight said. Love and kindness......that did sound right, but Cadance didn't feel she deserved that title. "Hey, everything will be alright. Now let us get you to Canterlot." Jack said wrapping his wing around her. "Ohhh, isn't this sweet." Said a familar voice. Cadance turned around and froze, she wasn't ready to face him. Author's Note Hi Everyone, So Cadance got her cutie mark, sorry if it feels rushed. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed. Sliver Swirl
ConfrontationCadance turned around and froze. She wasn't ready to face him. The pony who had used her and ponies like her. She felt anger engulf her, when she saw Roco. The one who gad kidnapped Twilight and tricked her. "How dare you do this to us!" Cadance said, standing in front of Twilight. "Now miss, how can you be like that. Without us, you and your little friend would be all alone and lost. I say you owe us, and if I might add, and without us you wouldn't have your cutie mark." Roco said, gesturing to her flank. Cadance moved her tail to hide her cutie mark. She felt his eyes on her flank and it made her uncomfortable. "We don't owe you anything. Now let us go!" Cadance demanded, stamping her hoof. She was glad her anger was fixing her voice and that she was no longer stammering around Roco. "You are right miss, you don't owe us anything. You owe us everything." Roco said, blocking the only door. "Why are you doing this?" She demanded. "Once upon a time, I was very poor, very lonely and had no magic talents. I had nothing, but then one day a master theif took me under his wing and together we came up with a brilliant plan. Neither of us were talented with our magic, so we chose to rescue those with talents and then claim they owed us. This worked for a while, but in the end. They all overpowered us. We needed a new plan, so we decided to take talented colts and fillies. It was genuis. But then he died, and I found others to replace him. Now I would appreciate it, if you followed me and complete the task. I have given you." Cadance couldn't believe him. What if she had helped him, how had she allowed herself to be tricked by him. "I'm afraid, we will have to refuse. Lady Dance, Twilight and myself have a date with destiny and you are in our way." Said Jack, calmly. "Well, misses and sir. I'm afraid I can't allow that. Jasper!" He called, and a bright orange colt appeared with a red mane. "Meet, Jasper. My apprentice. Jasper, if you would. Goodbye, I do hope you change your mind next time we meet." Said Roco Cadance watched as Japer charged his horn. What was he doing? They needed help and they needed it now. "Lady Dance, I think we have a problem." Jack said, Cadance turned to Jack and saw him hugging a destressed Twilight. "I think she is losing control due to her emotional state." Think she thoughy, how could she calm Twilight and deal with the spell. "Lady Dance?! She is beginning to glow." He yelled, Lady Dance....Dance......Cadance knew what to do. "Twilight, would you like to sing and dance with me. Lets make Jack jealous." Cadance said, lowering to the young fillys eye level. She saw Twilight stop crying for a second and look her in the eye. Cadance looked over at the other unicorn his spell was getting stronger by the second. "Remeber our special song. Sunshine, Sunshine. Ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake." Cadance sung, and danced, shaking her flank and clapping her hooves. She looked towards Twilight and saw her calming down. Great she thought, "again?" Twilight asked, giving Cadance puppy dog eyes. "When we get to Canterlot, I will do it as many times as you want." Cadance said, causing the filly to smile. "How should we deal with his spell?" Asked Jack. "We don't know what it does first. Should we make a run for it?" Cadance asked. "Don't even think about it miss." Said Roco, who was still standing guard. Damn she thought, she had forgotten about him. They needed help. "We need help Jack." Cadance said. "I know, maybe I can rush him. While you carry Twilight and escape." "No!" Cadance said, she had already abandoned him once and she would never do it again. "If you need more help, why don't you just ask for it. I'm sure somepony would help." Twilight said. "Oh Twilight, sweetie. It's not that easy. We don't have any ponies here who would help us." Cadance said. "I meant with a spell. My big brother taught me one tha guards use if they are in danger. He learnt it because he wants to be a guard." "I see, can you do it now." "I can try, but I used alot of magic teleporting. I don't know if I have enough." "Please try, Twilight." Said Cadance, wrapping a wing around the filly. "What about the big scary unicorn." She asked. "Don't worry about him. Jack and I will distract him." "Ok Cadance, be careful." Said the terrified filly. "Do your best, Twilight. We are all going to be okay." Said Jack. "Ok." Cadance followed Jack and left Twilight to work the spell. They had to distract Roco, or he might try and stop them. "Roco. If I joined you would you promise to release Jack and Twilight." Cadance said, hoping Jack understood. Luckily he did and he joined the act. "No Cadance! Don't sacrifice yourself for me. I don't deserve it." He said, raising his hoof to his forehead and pushing his long mane of his shoulder. Drama Queen, prehaps Cadance should convince Jack to do some acting in Canterlot. He would be a big hit. "No Jack, don't try to change my mind. I must protect you." Cadance said, dramatically. Fcaing her back towards Jack. "Please agree Jack for yourself and for Twilight. I could not bare a world tha doesn't have you in it, brother." Cadance said, faking a few tears. "But, sister." "No, Jack. Please no more arguing. Just agree and go " "Um, miss. I hate to ruin your moment of victory. But I never did agree to your deal " said Roco. "But, sir. You must." "I don't know. That filly was pretty powerful. Being able to do a teleportation spell at that age is incredible." Roco said, turning his head towards Twilight. She had to stop him. So she did, Cadance grabbed his head with her hooves and did something that disgusted her. She kissed him. "Ahhhhhhh!" She heard Jack scream. Cadance removed her lips from Roco and tried not to throw up. She wished Twilight would hurry up. "That was lovely, miss." "So do you agree to our deal." "I might, but I have a question first, why is he screaming." "Yeah, why are you screaming Jack?" Cadance asked, she had no clue what to say. "You kissed my little sister! How could you she is only eight years old!" Jack screamed and tried to charge at the fool. Cadnace, luckily, held him back. "Let me go, brother. As I have let you go." Cadance said, hugging him tight. "Let me go, Lady Dance. I wouldn't hurt him much." Jack said, trying to wriggle free. However, Cadance didn't budge. "Now what do you say? Do we have a deal?" Cadance said, she wasn't sure how long she could hold Jack. "I say we-" Roco said, but before he could finish he was interupted by Twilight. "I did it!" She said, and began jumping. While the young filly jumped, a golden beamed shot out of her horn and broke the roof. "We are saved." Roco immediately abandoned standing by the door and stood in front of Twilight. "What did you do?" He asked, in an angry voice. "Nothing." Twilight sqeaked. "You are lucky little mouse that I already agreed with Candy that you could go and she could stay." He said, walking away from Twilight. "Let take our leave, Candy. We have much work to do." "Actually, we didn't agree on anything. So I'm afraid that the deal doesn't exist." Said, Cadance. "You little brat!" He screamed, "I will get you if it is the last thing I do!" "Boss!" "What is it?!" "The spell, I'm firing it now." "No, wait till I am out of the w-" Everything went dark and fuzzing a few seconds later. Cadances final thoughts were So this is what Jaspers spell does. "Princess? Princess? Are you awake?" A voice asked. "No, Mister voice. My head hurts." "I see. Can you open you eyes?" Mister voice asked. Cadance tried but it burned. "Nooo, it burns. Toooo bright. It hurt." Cadance said, burying her head. "I see, Princess. Can you try again? We have turned all the lights to their lowest setting." "No Princess." Cadance said, her head was still spinning and it hurt. "What would you like us to call you then?" "Can dance." "Can dance, interesting." "Doctor, I believe the Princ-paitent name is Cadance." "Oh, I see. Thank you Nurse Bucket. Cadance, can you please open your eyes now." "I try." Cadance said, she opened her eyes and say two ponies. These must be the voices. "It still hurts." "I know sweetheart, we are to help. I am Nurse Bucket and this is Doctor Salty Rich. We will take good care of you." Said the female pony, as she pointed to herself and the male pony. "Where is Jack and Twi lit?" "Jack and Twi lit? You must mean the other two ponies brought in with you. They are having similar symptoms to yourself. You can see them later, but first you need your rest." Cadance nodded her head, she did feel tired. "And Cadance, Welcome to Canterlot." The Nurse said, walking away with the Doctor. She stopped paying attention to them and close her eyes. She was tired. Cadance sighed happily, she had made it. She had made it to Canterlot, she now had a chance at saving her parents lives. She fell asleep with dreams of Jack, Twilight, her mum, her dad and herself having a pinic together on a sunny day. She would make this dream a reality. Author's Note Hi Everyone, Hope you enjoyed and thank for reading. Sliver Swirl
UnexpectedCadance stared out her window. She had been in the clinic for a whole week and wanted to leave. However, Doctor Salty and Nurse Bucket insisted she stay until they cleared her with a bill of good health. Ever since she had mentioned leaving to the two, Nurse Bucket had been watching her like a hawk. She was with her every minute of every day, but she did leave during the night. But only when she was comvinced Cadance was asleep. It was hopeless, unless she figured out a genuis plan. Since she woken up, she had been spending her days talking to the guards and her medical staff. The guards had appeared on the second day, as on the first she was only awake for a few minutes. They had asked for her statement, but Cadance had no clue what that mean and had to ask the guards. Having to ask made Cadance feel embarrassed, how far behind was her village from the ever changing world. They explained that a statement, was what you saw happen at the crime scene. The guards explained that the guards usually wouldn't do this and it would be left to the police. But because a royal was involved it was given to the royal guard. Cadance didn't want special treatment becausr she was a 'royal'. However, Cadance was glad that this case would get the attention it deserved. She explained everything that happened to her in the hut, and she explained that every foal was an victim. They seemed hesitate to believe her, but nopony would say they didn't believe a royal to their face. Once she was crowned Princess, she would make sure her village thrived and those foals were treated fairly. Cadance had also spoken to her doctor, because he was the only pony who could tell her about the others. She constantly worried about Twilight and Jack. Jack was apprently being trapped like herself, so she wasn't too worried about him. But Twilight was the real pony she was wooried about. Twilight had apprently been hit very badly with the spell and magical exhaustion. She wished, she could visit both of them. Bit Nurse Bucket and Doctor Salty had forbidden it. They claimed she still needed to rest, but Cadance felt perfectly fine and she didn't want to be in a bed, completely fine, when somepony else might need it. Cadance had only one small idea, which she could use to escape. Pretend to fall asleep and then once Nurse Bucket had left. She would fly out the window, that she was currently staring out of. It was the perfect plan. So far, Cadances plan was a success. When night had fallen she had 'fallen asleep" and buried under the covers. Nurse Bucket had left shortly after and turned off the lights as she did every night. Now was her chance, Cadance thought. She carefully climbed out of bed and quietly trotted over to the window. She used her magic to open the window and prepared to take flight. Cadance knew she had promised that she would not use her magic again. But this was an emergency. Without her magic, the only other way Cadance could think of was smashing the glass. Which would cause lots of noise and commotion, which Cadance didn't want. She spread her wings and jumped out of clinic. Cadance felt unbelievable joy, to be able fly again. The last time, she thought it would be last time. Cadance hadn't wanted to be different, she still didn't want to be different. She still wanted to only use her magic and wings for emergencies, but she would crowned a Princess. Would all her suffering of not using her decorations be in waste when she became a Princess. This was Cadances biggest worry, she took a few deep calmly breathes and continued to fly. She had a destination, but at the moments she was just enjoying feeling the wind under her wings.. Cadance soon felt, another place there hooves around her. Pulling her back to the clinic, she panicked and went into shock. "What were you doing, Cadance? You know you are suppose to be resting." The Nurse asked sternly. Cadance quickly unfroze once she realised it was Nurse Bucket. She would have to lie, Nurse Bucket would watch her forever if she discovered Cadance had left for freefom. "You see......I was.....ummm..ahh." Cadance said, trying to think up an convincing lie. "I'm waiting." Said Nurse Bucket, tapping her hoof. "Ummm......I.....I.....I.....I was flying to heal quicker." "Flying to heal quicker, where did you hear such a funny idea." Nurse Bucket asked. "A doctor, I heard a doctor said it. So I decided to try it." "Cadance, sweetheart. You should have just told me. I would have let you outside if you have told me your reason." Nurse Bucket said. "Really?" "Of course." "Great, can we do it tomorrow." "Of course, I think I will bring some of my other patients along to try your this new technique." "Are you sure that is a good idea?" Cadance asked, she didn't want anypony to get more sick because of her. "Of course it will be fine. In fact, I think I will bring this Pegasus who has a broken wing. He has been so desperate to fly again, he will do just about anything. I can't wait to tell him." "Wait! Are you really gonna throw a Pegasus with a broken wing out a window." "Of course. Unless you are admitting something." "No, no. Nothing." "Great, then off I go." "Won't he be asleep." Cadance asked, trying to stall. "He is an early riser." Cadance couldn't let this happen. She couldn’t injure an injured pony, just so she could stay out of trouble. "Wait! I lied, there is no such thing. I just wanted to visit Jack and Twilight, I wanted to make sure they were okay. But I got distracted and lost track of time." "Its okay, Cadance. I knew you were lying. I wanted to see if you would ever tell the truth." "Would you have actually thrown the Pegasus out the window." Cadance asked. "Maybe, the Pegasus in question is quite a thrill seeker. I'm sure he would have loved it." There was a brief awkward silent, which Cadance interupted. "Why didn't you tell me, you knew I was lying. Why do you continue to keep me here?" Cadance asked. "I'm sorry, dear. Like I said, before I just wanted to see what you would do and for the second question. I wanted to protect you from being a Princess, from as long as I could. I just don't want to see your pure and kind soul ruined. I'm sorry, I was selfish." Nurse Bucket said, hanging her head low. "You weren't being selfish. You were taking me under your wing, you are a very special pony Nurse Bucket. In my life, only two ponies have ever taken me under their wing you and Jack. Where I come from, everypony is so busy taking care of themsleves. They didn't have any time to take care of others. To me, you are not selfish but very giving and caring. But I need to become a Princess as quickly as possible." "Thank you, sweetheart. You are too kind." Cadance began to feel her cheeks burn, "I will respect your wishes and help you get discharged. Now go to bed, you have a big day tomorrow." Cadance felt the Nurse tuck her in and then she left her again. Nurse Bucket was right, tomorrow would be a big day. She slowly drifted off to sleep. Cadance woke up and stared out the window, once more. She was so bored, Nurse Bucket had yet to show up and Cadance needed her to be discharged. She tried to explain to Doctor Salty, that Nurse said she could be discharged. But he refused to do it and unless the Nurse told her. Cadance would not be discharged. Cadance almost lost hope, that Nurse Bucket would show up. But then suddenly, the door was slammed open and Nurse Bucket ran in. "I'm sorry, I am late Cadance. I had a meeting. Lets go Cadance, I have already signed the papers for you to be discharged." "Yes!" Cadance yelled, she jumped out of bed and ran to the door. But Doctor Salty still blocked her path. "Are you sure, Nurse Bucket?" "I am positive, Doctor Salty. Now I think it is time for Cadance to go." Nurse Bucket said. The Doctor nodded his head and moved aside. "I wish you the best of luck, Princess Cadance." He said. Cadance nodded her head. "Thank you, Doctor." She said, as she walked out the door. Cadance walked beside Nurse Bucket down an unfamiliar corridor. Where was she going? "Um....Nurse Bucket, what are we doing? Are we going to see Twilight and Jack?" "No, Princess Celestia has requested to see you and Miss Twilight is also being discharged today." "What!? I have to go see her." "But Princess Celestia.........." "I don't care, Twilight is more important. Please take me to Twilight." "But......fine, dear. We will go to Miss Twilight." "Thanks, Nurse Bucket." Cadance said, she was grateful the Nurse had agreed. She wanted to make sure that Twilight got home safe and sound. "This way." Nurse Bucket said, walking down another unfamiliar corridor. The Castle was so large, Cadance knew it would take a long time to not get lost. They walked from corridor to corridor until the reached another medical room. "This is Miss Twilights room. I will be waiting outside." "Thanks." Cadance said, as she raised her hoof and knocked. "Come in." She heard a pony yell from the inside. Cadance opened the door using her magic and walked in. The room was similar to the clinic she was staying in. It was large and had a window. In the very middle of the room, she saw Twilight. "Twilight!" She called. "Cadance!" Twilight called as she ran to her. Cadance hugged the filly tight and was glad she was okay. "What are you doing here?" Twilight. "I came to check on my favourite filly." Cadance said, still hugging the filly. "Am I really your favourite filly?" Twilight asked, lifting her head out of the hug. "Of course." Cadance said, she wasn't sure if it was the right thing to say. But based on the fillys massive smile she didn't care. "Did you know, I am leaving today." "Thats great, I'm leaving today too. Are your parents coming to pick you up?" Cadance asked, her question caused Twilight to lose her massive smile. "No, they are too busy. They haven't been to visit me once." Cadance felt outraged, how could a parent not come to visit their own foal. She buried those emotions deep, she didn't want to upset Twilight. "Thats okay, I'm sure they wanted to come. I have a great idea, why don't I walk you home. You can show me where you live and your favourite spots." Cadance said. "Thanks Cadance, but I don't really go anywhere except magic kindergarten." "Then you can show me that. Are you ready to go?" "Yep!" "Thats great, just let me tell Nurse Bucket and then we can go." Cadance said. She then walked to the door and op ened it again using her aqua magic. "Nurse Bucket?" Cadance called out. "I'm here, dear. Are you ready to see Princess Celestia now?" "No, I actually promised Twilight. I would walk her home." "Surely, her own parents can do that." "They haven't even been to visit her once. I they expected her to walk home by herself." "I see, well we can't have that. I'll explain the situation to Princess Celestia. Now would you like me to send a guard with you. You are unfamiliar with Canterlot." "I will be fine." Cadance said, hoping she would be. "Okay, then. I wish you the best of luck Miss Cadance." Nurse Bucket said, she then turned away and began walking. "Thank you. Come on, Twilight!" Cadance called. "Coming Cadance." Twilight said, as she stood next to Cadance. They began walking out of the Castle and onto the streets of Canterlot. Luckily, Twilight knew exactly how to get home. Nurse Bucket took a deep breath and entered the throne room. "Your highness." She said, bowing deep. "Good morning, Miss Bucket. How are you?" "Quite well, your majesty." "That's wonderful. Now where is my niece?" She asked. "Mis- Princess Cadance decided to leave the Castle and walk one of her friends home." Nurse Bucket said, trying not get anypony in trouble. "I understand, I will send a few guards to bring her back. It is important, we plan the Coronation today." "You can't, Princess Celestia. Princess Cadance assured me she would find her way back. At least give her some time, if she is not back by the afternoon then send your guards." "I will trust you, Lady Bucket. I will wait." "Thank you, your majesty." "Once Cadance has returned, please bring her to me." "Of course, your majesty." "It was lovely to see you again, Nurse Bucket." "It was lovely to see you, as well. Your majesty. I will take my leave now." Princess Celestia nodded her head and Nurse Bucket took that as an opportunity to leave. She hoped Cadance was alright and that she would return soon. Cadance walked beside Twilight, she had never seen such a place. Canterlot was so very large and busy, and ponies wore clothes for no reason. In the village, you would only wear clothes to either protect your body or to keep warm. Wearing clothes for no reason, seemed so stupid! Even though Cadance, did wear clothes occassionally. She wore them to fit in. So she wearing clothes to protect herself. Cadance decided to ask Twilight, if there was a reasonable explanation. "Why do they wear, those hats? Do they have horns, they need to hide?" "No, why would anypony want to hide their horn. Most ponies who live in Canterlot are unicorns. They wear the hats because it makes them look good and it shows their wealth and importance." "Really?" Cadance had never heard of such a thing, where she came from no pony ever dressed to look good. "But some of those hats look so silly." "Yeah, its called fashion. My mum says the more expensive, the more silly and grand it looks." Canterlot ponies were so confusing. "Where do you live, Twilight?" "I live in Canterlot square." "Do you like it?" "Its okay, we use to live elsewhere but then mum became friends with Diamond Crust who brought the house for us. Mum expects me to go work for Ms Diamond to repay her genorsity." "Do you want to work, there?" "Not really, Diamond Crust owns the second best school in Canterlot and a pizza business. Mum expects me to go to school, there and then work there as a Professor. But, I want to go to the best school in Canterlot." "Whats is the best school in Canterlot?" "Its Celestias School for Gifted Unicorns. It has the greatest education program and you have access to the Royal library. But its really expensive, so I can't go. Ms Diamond has kindly offered me a scholarship." "What is a scholarship?" Cadance asked, embarrassed. "A scholarship is when because of either academic excellent or lack of money. You get either a discount on the school fees or you don't have to pay anything." That made sense, Cadance thought. "I'm sure, you could get a scholarship at Celestias school for gifted unicorns." Cadance said, honesty. Twilight was the smartest filly Cadance had ever seen. "Thanks, Cadance." The spent the rest of the trip in silence. Cadance had alot of her mind, she felt so stupid and so behind compared to Twilight. She didn't lots of things due to her disadvantaged village life. Would she be able to keep up with Canterlot? "Umm, Cadance. This is it." Twilight said, snapping Cadance out of her thoughts. Cadance looked at the hous in front of her. It was very grand, it was two stores and made of concrete. There was garden at the front which had many different kinds of flowers. "Its beautiful, Twilight." Cadance said. "You don't have to come in and meet my family. If you don't want to." Twilight said. "I'd love to meet your family, Twilight." Cadance said, walking up to the door and knocking. "Yes, who is it?" Called a voice from the inside. "Its me, mum. Twilight." Twilight said, seconds later. A middle aged mare appeared and hugged Twilight tight. "Twilight, welcome home! I've missed you. But dear, just because you have been through a traumatic event doesn't mean you can call me mum. It makes me feel so old, please call mummy." "Fine." Twilight said. "Now who is this? A new friend?" "This is Cadance, she is the pony who rescued me." "Oh, I see. Thank you Ms Cadance, for bringing back my only filly. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask." "Thank you, Ms......" Cadance said, raising a hoof for the mare to shake. "Twilight, Twilight Velvet. Now I won't having any of that hoof shaking happening around here. Anypony who saves Twilight, is practically family. Now come in." "Thank you, for the offer Ms Velvet. But I really must be going." "Okay, but please come back and visit and remember. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate." "Bye, Twilight." Cadance said, as she walked away. Now she had to find her way back to the Castle. She spread her wings and took flight. This was also an emergency, she had to get back to Canterlot as quickly as possible. Author's Note Hi Everyone, Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed. Thanks, Sliver Swirl.
The MeetingCadance loved the feeling of the wind under her wings. She could see the Castle much better from the sky. She didn't know Canterlot very well and didn't want to risk getting lost and getting Nurse Bucket in trouble. So, Cadance decided to fly, for she could not miss the Castle from the sky. If she did, she would have been blind. Which meant she would be more different and more behind. The Castle didn't have a landing pad, like she expected. Cadance knew they had a landing pad on the roof of the hospital in the village. She had expected that every expensive building had one. But unfortunately, the Castle did not. She had to glide down, which was amazing. Cadance could feel the adrenaline pumping through her body. Which made her want to move faster and faster. Until it was too late, her wings and her mind weren't ready for last minute pull ups. Cadance had never been one to try extreme stunts. She had been the pony who was hiding her wings. She wasn't ready for this, the wind pulled her wings apart and she could see the concrete, this was the end. She closed her eyes in preparation, but a miracle happened. Cadance felt hooves wrap around her and pull her out of the danger. She opened her eyes and saw Jack! "Ja-" Cadance tried to say, but Jack interupted her and began talking. "Lady Dance, are you alright?" "I'm fi-" "Also where were you?, I woke up today and heard you were getting discharged and walking Twilight back home. So I went there and you weren't. Then flew back here just in time to see you nearly become a pancake. What were you thinking?" "A pancake? What is a pancake?" Cadance asked, confused. "Fine, you would have been flatted." "So a pancake is flat?" Cadance asked, still confused. What was the point of something that was only flat? "Forget the pancake. This is important, Cadance. Your life is important." "I know my life is important, I was flying to the Castle and then I was gliding down. Its not a big deal." "If you knew your life was important. You wouldn't be doing these crazy stunts! And of course this is a big deal! Now let me get us down." "I can fly by myself, Jack." "I know that, the question is whether or not you can be trusted to fly by yourself." Jack said, lowering them to the ground. Cadance felt so very angry, but she then realised. What did she have to be angry about? Jack was trying to look out for her. He saved her life, and she thanked him by yelling it him. She had to make this right. "I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to make you worry can you forgive me, Sir Jack." Cadance said, using the puppy dog eyes. "Of course, I can Lady Dance. But only if you forgive me too. I shouldn't had yelled or acted like a jerk." Jack said, his ears folding to his head. "I forgive you, Sir Jack." "Thank you, Lady Dance. Now where to my lady?" He asked. "To Princess Celestia, Sir Jack." "Let us go my lady. Hold on tight." Cadance wrapped her hooves tight around her brother and prepared for an adventure. Jack was an amazing flier, and he glided better then she did. He could do tricks and fly really fast. He was much better then her. He pulled up last minute from the concrete and then headed towards the enterance. Cadance could guards there, she hoped they wouldn't give them any trouble. Jack tried to zoom past th em, but was stopped by the two Pegasi wings. "What is your purpose?" One of the guards asked. Cadance decided to take charge and answer there question. She unwrapped her hooves from Jack and jumped off his body. Once she was on the ground, Cadance made sure she was looking the guards straight in the eye. "We are here to visit, Princess Celestia. I am her niece, Lady Cadance, and this is my guard and servant Sir Jack. We need to get to that meeting, immediately." Cadance said, flaring her wings to show both her horn and wings. She hoped they would let them through. They both immediately dropped into a bow once she finished speaking. "Forgive us, my lady. The Princess did inform us that you would be arriving. But for safety reasons, I'm afraid you must answer a question correctly if you wish to pass." "I'm fine with that." "Where did you just go?" "I went to Twilights house to drop her off." "And why were you dropping her off?" "Because her parents couldn't pick her up." "I see and who are her parents?" What? Cadance thought, how was she suppose to know. Twilight had only mentioned her mother not her father and Cadance had only met the mother. "I....ahh....." "We are waiting." The guard said. "Twilight Velvet is the mothers name, but I have never met the father." Cadance said, honesty. "You pass, Lady Cadance." "But, I didn't know the fathers name." "You weren't expected to. The father is on a business trip." That made sense, Cadance thought. That was why Twilights father couldn't pick her up. She hoped Twilight knew that and didn't think that her father was neglecting her. "Ok, can you let Sir Jack and I pass now?" Cadance asked. The guards nodded and lowered their wings. She entered the Castle with Jack right behind her, "Do you know where Princess Celestia is?" She asked Jack. "Not really, I have heard that the throne room is in the middle of the Castle." "Where you hear this?" Cadance asked, maybe they could help them. "Just from some of the doctors talking." "I guess, we can't ask them fir help. I don't know where the clinic is? Do you?" She asked Jack, who shook his head. "Every hall and corridor looks the same. Hopefully we find somepony soon." Cadance said. The duo walked in circles for a very long time until she heard Jack say something, "look Lady Dance, we are saved." Cadance looked over to where Jack was gesturing and saw a small coat. He had a white coat and a golden mane. "Maybe we can ask him for help?" Cadance said. But before she could move Jack blocked her way with one of his dark blue wings. "Jack, what are you doing?" Cadance asked. "Look." He said, Cadance pushed down Jacks wing and looked at what the small colt was doing. He was gardening and planting flowers. The small colt looked as if he was concentrating very hard. "I think we might be intruding on something, Lady Dance. We best find another pony." Jack said, pushing her with his wing. Cadance agreed with Jack, she didn't want to disturb the colt. It took them along time, but eventually they found another pony. She was a servant, who offered to escort them to the Princess. The entire journey, Cadance could not get that pony out of her mind. Why was he trying so hard to plant flowers? What was the special meaning? "Cadance." Jack called, "we're here." He said, pointing to the large golden doors. Cadance didn't even know doors could be that large. "Miss Cadance." Cried a voice, Cadance looked towards the direction she saw it come from and saw Nurse Bucket. "Nurse Bucket? What are you doing here?" Cadance said. "I was stalling the Princess for you so you could walk the little filly home." "Thank you, Nurse Bucket." "Its no problem, Sweetheart." Nurse Cadance said, she then turned to Jack and continued talking. "Now who is this handsome stallion? Is he your coltfriend?" Nurse Bucket asked. "Ewww, he is my brother and I don't want a coltfriend." "Whatever you say, dear. You know Miss Cadance was so worried about you. Everday she would ask the doctor whether you were okay." The Nurse said. Cadance felt her cheeks go red, how did Nurse Bucket know that? She was tempted to pull her wings over her face to hide her embarrassment. "Its okay, Lady Dance. I already know you can't live without me." Jack said, using his wing to pull Cadance closer. Cadance was about retort, but another pony began speaking, "as touching as this moment is, Princess Celestia is expecting Lady Cadance. You can't keep her waiting." "Forgive us Inky Quill, I just wanted to make sure Lady Cadance was ready." "Of course, you were. But you have somewhere else to be. Like changing the sheets on a bed ir helping some pony go to the toliet." Inky Quill said. Nurse Bucket felt embarrassed, Cadance didn't know how she knew that though. She didn't look embarrassed. "Excuse me, Miss Cadance and Sir Jack. I must be going, if you ever need anything. I will be in the clinic." "You must excuse her. Now Lady Cadance are you ready?" Inky Quill asked. "I think so?" "Good, now lets go." Cadance and Jack followed Inky Quill but before they could enter. Inky Quill stopped, "what are you doing?" "I'm following you." Cadance said, once again confused. "Not you, Lady Cadance. I was referring to your little friend. He is not needed for this meeting." "Sir Jack is coming." Cadance said, firmly before Jack could say anything. "I'm afraid, Lady Cadance. That this meeting will be between you and Princess Celestia only. Even I, her most trusted advisor, will be outside." Cadance wasn't sure what else to say, she turned and looked at Jack. He was nodding his head and pushing her away. "Will you look after him, while I am inside?" Cadance asked, Inky Quill. "Of course, my lady. We will both wait here until you come back." "Thank you." Cadance said, she took a deep breathe and opened the door. It was time to begin. Inside, was very different from the outside Cadance thought. The throne room was massive, it was had little furniture beside the massive golden throne. There was not much else worth noticing. On the massive throne was Princess Celestia, reading a long scroll. Cadance was unsure what to do, should she interupt the Princess? Cadance had only spoken to her once. She decided to merely stand there and was wait for the Pr- her Aunt to notice her. She stood there silently, and felt like forever until Princess Celestia looked up from the piece of paper. "Cadance! What a surprise!" Celestia said, placing the scroll down and stepping out of her throne. "It is so good to see you! Tell me how are you?" The Princess said, with a giant smile. "I am fine, Princess Celestia." "Its not Princess, remember. We are family, family do not use titles. Call me Aunty Celestia. " Celestia said. Cadance nodded her head, not saying a word. "Great, then lets have tea in the garden." "But I thought we were staying here." Cadance said, she didn't want to leave. "Everything will be fine. If we are gone too long, Inky has orders to escort your friend to a room." "But-" "Come on, Cadance. I wanted to discuss some things with you privately." The Princess said, walking off. Cadance could have turned back and gone to Jack. But she had things she wanted to discuss with the Princess to. She had a choice to make, she just hoped she made the right one. She decided to follow the Princess out a side door to the garden. Cadance would leave here, unless she was a Princess. Unless she had the money to save her family. With that in mind, she walked through the small door. Hopefully, everything would turn out okay. Author's Note Hi Everyone, Hope you all enjoyed and thanks for reading. Sliver Swirl.
